What does the CVC say about registrations?

[locosway]

Curious how LEO's interpret and what their dealings are with these questions.

Does a vehicle have to be registered? Only if used on public roads, or always?

If a vehicle is used solely on private property, does it need registration?

What about plates if it's on private property?

If I have two cars on private property, does it matter if their plates get mixed up?

[IrishJoe3]

Curious how LEO's interpret and what their dealings are with these questions.

Does a vehicle have to be registered? Only if used on public roads, or always? If a vehicle is used solely on private property, does it need registration?

If it is opperated/will be operated on a public roadway, yes. A "ranch truck" that's only used to feed the cows on the back 40 and never leaves private property, no.


What about plates if it's on private property?

Same as above.

If I have two cars on private property, does it matter if their plates get
mixed up?

Just on private property, no. But be careful, if the vehicle is parked on or operated on (no matter how briefly) a public road, all VC laws apply and the vehicle could get impounded.

I've towed more than a few cars that A) had wrong plates on (ie plate was a current plate with current registration but for a different vehicle) or B) a stolen registration sticker on a vehicle that's expired. If you don't know which plate goes to which vehicle, check the registration document; it'll have the plate # (top right) and vin.

[Saym14]

you have to file that non-op form with DMV. I have a lot of frineds with race cars (made from streeet cars) that they trailer to the track. they have no lic or registration.

also in many cities you can not store a non-op vehicle in view (like in your front yard)

[locosway]

My question was purely from a private property standpoint. If I have a ranch or something that's fenced in, you wouldn't break down the fence and tow the car, right?

Is there a law that says all vehicles must be registered?

[1923mack]

Different Counties have different rules. DMV is state wide, and if you keep your vehicle off the public highways, and get a non op on it you are ok with them. Riverside County has an operable vehicle ordinance. All vehicles on your property need to be operable. They do not have to be licensed or insuired, just operable. Operable to them means it will start and drive. Covina has ordinance all vehicles must be parked on concrete or asphalt surface. Local Ordinances, City or County, will tell you what the issues are.

[BigDogatPlay]

As above... if the vehicle never leaves the private ranch property, it could be left unregistered. When I was in college I worked in a scrap yard and the company had several "yard trucks" that were never registered and as such never left the property. Having a fueling point and a full mechanic's shop on premise helps with that.

That said, if it hits the public street in that condition even going from one ranch gate to another, or even on the back of a flatbed, it would be subject to impound and fees if a LEO sees it.