§ 38010. — 38010. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 588, Sec. 2.)

California § 38010.

• Jurisdiction: California
• Code VEH: Vehicle Code - VEH
• Div. 16.5.: DIVISION 16.5. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
• Ch. 2.: CHAPTER 2. Registration of Off-Highway Vehicles; Original and Renewal of Identification; Issuance of Certificates of Ownership
• Art. 1.: ARTICLE 1. Motor Vehicles Subject to Identification

Text

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a motor vehicle specified in subdivision (b) of Section 38012 that is not registered under this code because it is to be operated or used exclusively off the highways, except as provided in this division, shall display an identification plate or device issued by the department.
(b)
Subdivision (a) does not apply to
any of the following:
(1)
Motor vehicles specifically exempted from registration under this code, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles exempted pursuant to Sections 4006, 4010, 4012, 4013, 4015, 4018, and 4019.
(2)
Implements of husbandry.
(3)
Motor vehicles owned by the state, or any county, city, district, or political subdivision of the state, or the United States.
(4)
Motor vehicles owned or operated by, or operated under contract with a utility, whether privately or publicly owned, when used as specified in Section 22512.
(5)
Special construction equipment described in Section 565, regardless
of whether those motor vehicles are used in connection with highway or railroad work.
(6)
A motor vehicle with a currently valid special permit issued under Section 38087.5 that is owned or operated by a nonresident of this state and the vehicle is not identified or registered in a foreign jurisdiction. For the purposes of this paragraph, a person who holds a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction is presumed to be a nonresident.
(7)
Commercial vehicles weighing more than 6,000 pounds unladen.
(8)
A motorcycle manufactured in the year 1942 or prior.
(9)
Four-wheeled motor vehicles operated solely in organized racing or competitive events upon
a closed course when those events are conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
(10)
A motor vehicle with a currently valid identification or registration permit issued by another state, if the other state recognizes an identification plate or device issued by the department pursuant to subdivision (a) as valid for use in that state.

Legislative History

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 588, Sec. 2. (SB 586) Effective January 1, 2026.