lowering your Cal TRUCK registration.

[riverroyal]

maybe Im the last to find this out but, if you have a shell or tonneau (sp) cover you can go to the DMV and get a plate turning your truck into a passenger car. It removes the highway fees for weights. Im doing it this week, my reg is due this month. 2015 F150, I will let you know the savings

Since 2005 Ive had F250s and 350s with shells, now I find this out:thumbsdown

 

[RitcheyRch]

Changing to personalized plates does the same thing.

 

[riverroyal]

Changing to personalized plates does the same thing.

personalized drops the added highway weight taxes/fees? I should just do that.

 

[boatpi]

You are 100% incorrect, it needs to be much more than that. See this article; http://www.pe.com/articles/camper-675923-dmv-vehicle.html

A camper must be bolted down to truck, have sleeping area, chairs, and generally a head.
Most states use this standard;

Can I register my pick-up truck as a 'passenger' class vehicle?

Yes. Your pick-up truck can qualify for passenger class plates if it meets certain conditions, depending on its unladen weight.

If you have a modified or unmodified pick-up truck with an unladen weight less than 6,001 lbs., then you may register it in the passenger class if it meets the following conditions:
the pick-up truck does not have any business advertisements, and
the pick-up is used exclusively for non-commercial purposes

If you have a modified pick-up truck with an unladen weight greater than 6,000 lbs., then you may register it in the passenger class if it meets the following conditions:
the pick-up truck does not have any business advertisements and is used exclusively for non-commercial purposes
a camper top having one or more side windows completely encloses the truck bed,
the pick-up truck has seats, seat fittings, or camping equipment installed in the truck bed ('camping equipment' indicates that you have a bed, a stove, or a refrigerator in the vehicle)

NOTE: These modifications must be permanent. If you use the pick-up truck without the required modifications, then you must register it in the commercial registration class.

 

[riverroyal]

You are 100% incorrect, it needs to be much more than that. See this article; http://www.pe.com/articles/camper-675923-dmv-vehicle.html

Can I register my pick-up truck as a 'passenger' class vehicle?

Yes. Your pick-up truck can qualify for passenger class plates if it meets certain conditions, depending on its unladen weight.

If you have a modified or unmodified pick-up truck with an unladen weight less than 6,001 lbs., then you may register it in the passenger class if it meets the following conditions:
the pick-up truck does not have any business advertisements, and
the pick-up is used exclusively for non-commercial purposes

If you have a modified pick-up truck with an unladen weight greater than 6,000 lbs., then you may register it in the passenger class if it meets the following conditions:
the pick-up truck does not have any business advertisements and is used exclusively for non-commercial purposes
a camper top having one or more side windows completely encloses the truck bed,
the pick-up truck has seats, seat fittings, or camping equipment installed in the truck bed ('camping equipment' indicates that you have a bed, a stove, or a refrigerator in the vehicle)

NOTE: These modifications must be permanent. If you use the pick-up truck without the required modifications, then you must register it in the commercial registration class.

what about the personal plates? Also seems to easy

 

[Mandelon]

Can you then not park in commercial zones though? When we work downtown I believe we can park along those curbs.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Hang a 2x4 out the window on the way back from Home Depot and the revenue officers will have a field day with you.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Worked on my 1/2 ton Tundra. Might have to see if others with 3/4 and 1 ton trucks chime in.

personalized drops the added highway weight taxes/fees? I should just do that.

 

[riverroyal]

Hang a 2x4 out the window on the way back from Home Depot and the revenue officers will have a field day with you.

but my thought is the neighborhood PO isn't looking or even caring about it. If it only saves me $75 Im not doing it. But I need to pay this week anyways so Im going to look at the savings.

The personalized plate with the passenger car status might be the way to go. It will not have the same numbers identifying the truck as commercial or non

 

[Riverbound]

maybe Im the last to find this out but, if you have a shell or tonneau (sp) cover you can go to the DMV and get a plate turning your truck into a passenger car. It removes the highway fees for weights. Im doing it this week, my reg is due this month. 2015 F150, I will let you know the savings

Since 2005 Ive had F250s and 350s with shells, now I find this out:thumbsdown

It's a little more involved than that but yes you can convert to no. Commercial with a permanently mounted shell designed for human habitation.
View attachment 494534

 

[pronstar]

personalized drops the added highway weight taxes/fees? I should just do that.

Still a commercial vehicle...I had personalized plates on my truck.

 

[spectra3279]

That fucking really bites my ass. I registered my old dodge 2500 in Alabama and it was only 56 bucks. Moved back here and it was 485.

How do they justify all privately owned trucks are commercial? Hell I have carried 2x4's that i bought at blowes in my old Honda, does that make it commercial

 

[Cole Trickle]

Don't tow,haul lumber or throw bikes in the bed of the truck.

They are looking to ticket...why not just buy a Tahoe if you never plan to use the truck as a truck?

 

[McRib]

I thought about this as well. then I weighed the pro and cons and the only pro was the money savings. for the 200 I'd save I'd rather have the use of my bed for hauling things and not paint a target on my truck with passenger plates and having to explain to every cop that pulls me over for suspicious plates why I have them. then good forbid I have a drink with dinner.

you from x5xxxxx/xxxxx5x to 5xxx555 for plates x=#'s. having the latter on a truck will scream pull me over. I might be doing something shady.

 

[RiverDave]

Worked on my 1/2 ton Tundra. Might have to see if others with 3/4 and 1 ton trucks chime in.

You had fees on a half ton?

 

[Backlash]

My 20 year old Dodge 3500 with personalized plates in Cali STILL cost me $400 for registration.

But I DGAF, I knew that when I bought it. The truck is paid for and those registration fees are the only "Fees" I have to pay each year.

 

[Riverbound]

You had fees on a half ton?

All pick ups are now registered as "commercial"

 

[RiverDave]

All pick ups are now registered as "commercial"

When did that happen? Granted I always had suv's so I didn't pay much attention.. And my Chevy was registered in AZ.. Seems kinda crazy everything would be commercial though?

 

[Backlash]

My Toyota was brought in to Cali with an child predator-type aluminum camper shell with zero creature comforts, and I was given a non-commercial plate. Pulled the shell off and sold it for $50. I've had those same plates for years and never had an issue. But to be honest, I haven't driven it a lot over the last few years. Once I get things in order, I will probably put a new glass shell on it just to avoid any issues with the local po-po.

Registration is $60 a year.

 

[wsuwrhr]

When did that happen? Granted I always had suv's so I didn't pay much attention.. And my Chevy was registered in AZ.. Seems kinda crazy everything would be commercial though?

Been that was as long as I can remember.

 

[thmterry]

If you register your pick up as non commercial vehicle then you should buy the personalized plates. It is so the cops dont know if it is registered as commercial vehicle or not as you drive by with a 2x4 in the back.

 

[Riverbound]

When did that happen? Granted I always had suv's so I didn't pay much attention.. And my Chevy was registered in AZ.. Seems kinda crazy everything would be commercial though?

As long as I can remember.i had an f-150 in high school and it was commercial.

 

[milkmoney]

I have a few job offers in Cali. And was thinking maybe I should. every time I read these threads I think why would I go back [emoji202]

 

[RitcheyRch]

I don't remember if there was additional fees attached to the registration but it was originally registered commercial until I added the personalized plates.

You had fees on a half ton?

All pick ups are now registered as "commercial"

 

[Sharp Shooter]

One more form of legal robbery in the great state of California. :thumbsdown

 

[probablecause]

My Toyota was brought in to Cali with an child predator-type aluminum camper shell

F'n Classic! :lmao

 

[Ziggy]

Don't tow,haul lumber or throw bikes in the bed of the truck.

They are looking to ticket...why not just buy a Tahoe if you never plan to use the truck as a truck?

You can tow and long as its a bumper hitch.

 

[Ziggy]

My Toyota was brought in to Cali with an child predator-type aluminum camper shell .

Registration is $60 a year.

LOL.....the real Farm Truck

 

[screaming pete]

maybe Im the last to find this out but, if you have a shell or tonneau (sp) cover you can go to the DMV and get a plate turning your truck into a passenger car. It removes the highway fees for weights. Im doing it this week, my reg is due this month. 2015 F150, I will let you know the savings

Since 2005 Ive had F250s and 350s with shells, now I find this out:thumbsdown

I did mine years ago my 3/4 ton dodge is $100 a year

 

[28Eliminator]

I don't remember if there was additional fees attached to the registration but it was originally registered commercial until I added the personalized plates.

I just had personalized plates made for my raptor (F-150), and it had to remain as "Commercial":grumble:

 

[riverroyal]

I just had personalized plates made for my raptor (F-150), and it had to remain as "Commercial":grumble:

so im doing personal plates then to avoid the 'numbers' that the cops can see.

 

[jones performance]

most cops cars have lic plate readers, computer tells them if its a commercial plate or not..

my 85 toyota pickup was 120 a year in cali, i moved it to havasu and reg there is 12 a year.

 

[sirbob]

Based the description above it doesn't seem like like a simple fiberglass cap would qualify as a camper?

What is the difference in the look of a commercial plate - I always thought in CA the typical white plate looks the same on a PU or SUV or a car?

 

[Rvrluvr]

I was coming home thru parker to the 10 on rice road. Hit the bug check that had a line 10 cars deep. 3 boats in line. No way was I waiting for them to check every boat. They were doing the checks right there in line, not pulling them off to the side. So i went to the truck side. The lady officer bout shot me. She screamed at me I cant go thru there in my pick up truck. I said the sign says commercial vehichles and this isvtegistered in state of CA so therefore its commercial. She said no, this is for 18 wheelers not personal cars. I pulled out my registration & showed the fees. Then pointed at HER sign that says commercial vehichles not 18 wheelers. It got real quiet, then she told me dont do it again & be on my way. I said see you next trip have a nice day.

It was an epic win

 

[Ziggy]

Based the description above it doesn't seem like like a simple fiberglass cap would qualify as a camper?

What is the difference in the look of a commercial plate - I always thought in CA the typical white plate looks the same on a PU or SUV or a car?

Commercial plates have only one letter.
Trailers have two letters.
Passenger cars 3 letters

 

[McRib]

Based the description above it doesn't seem like like a simple fiberglass cap would qualify as a camper?

What is the difference in the look of a commercial plate - I always thought in CA the typical white plate looks the same on a PU or SUV or a car?

plates are plates. it's the number and letter sequence that identifies. 1G11111 or 11111G1 denotes commercial truck. 1GGG111 is car/suv and 1GG1111 is PTI and RV trailers.

 

[mash on it]

1SAM123...Non commercial.

1A12345 and 12345A1 Commercial.


Both Uber and Dominos Should have Commercial plates, too

Dan'l

 

[Ziggy]

I was coming home thru parker to the 10 on rice road. Hit the bug check that had a line 10 cars deep. 3 boats in line. No way was I waiting for them to check every boat. They were doing the checks right there in line, not pulling them off to the side. So i went to the truck side. The lady officer bout shot me. She screamed at me I cant go thru there in my pick up truck. I said the sign says commercial vehichles and this isvtegistered in state of CA so therefore its commercial. She said no, this is for 18 wheelers not personal cars. I pulled out my registration & showed the fees. Then pointed at HER sign that says commercial vehichles not 18 wheelers. It got real quiet, then she told me dont do it again & be on my way. I said see you next trip have a nice day.

It was an epic win

They have a second lane open now for when the boats stack up.....undoubtedly thanks to you so...."thank you".

 

[RitcheyRch]

I will double check tonight and see if it states commercial on the registration.

I just had personalized plates made for my raptor (F-150), and it had to remain as "Commercial":grumble:

 

[sirbob]

On another note regarding lowering your reg fees -

I bought a used Land Rover last year, my renewal came a few weeks ago and my wife noticed the fees where higher than many of our other cars. She asked me why it was so high if I paid lass then the newer cars we had bought in the last few years.

After going to the DMV to look into it we found that the DMV did not enter into the system the price a paid for the Land Rover when I bought it - they hit the button to classify it under the original list price which was 4 times what i paid for it...

Im in the middle of resubmitting my title to have it reissued at the correct purchase price - What a pain in the ass.

wonder how many times this happens on used car sales, where they enter the new car price and people never even know?

 

[Ziggy]

Based the description above it doesn't seem like like a simple fiberglass cap would qualify as a camper?

What is the difference in the look of a commercial plate - I always thought in CA the typical white plate looks the same on a PU or SUV or a car?

Commercial plates have only one letter.
Trailers have two letters.
Passenger cars 3 letters

It's also why the suggestion of a personalized plate is made.....the CHP can not identify it by simple observation on the road, they have to call it in.

 

[boatpi]

Uber and Lyft got a ruling, NO commercial plates needed

 

[Coleblooded]

Hang a 2x4 out the window on the way back from Home Depot and the revenue officers will have a field day with you.

Exactly, if a leo pulls you over hauling anything in the back, its big trouble..

 

[riverroyal]

Exactly, if a leo pulls you over hauling anything in the back, its big trouble..

would be 'this will fit in trunk or back seat of a passenger car" f150 bed is real small

 

[purrfecttremor]

would be 'this will fit in trunk or back seat of a passenger car" f150 bed is real small

This is interesting! I wonder if AAA will do this transaction? I have an F250 with a Tonnele cover and personal plates! Looks like it's worth checking in to.

 

[Riverbound]

This is interesting! I wonder if AAA will do this transaction? I have an F250 with a Tonnele cover and personal plates! Looks like it's worth checking in to.

The loophole on a tonneau cover has been closed. Aaa also does not have the ability to do this on veg cokes over a certain weight. They will start the process but you will find out they can't complete it. I learned the hard way.

 

[spectra3279]

Don't tow,haul lumber or throw bikes in the bed of the truck.

They are looking to ticket...why not just buy a Tahoe if you never plan to use the truck as a truck?

If I'm doing it for my private use, how is that commercial

 

[spectra3279]

You had fees on a half ton?

He'll you get fees on the old suburaru brat

 

[spectra3279]

Uber and Lyft got a ruling, NO commercial plates needed

That's bullshit. It's used for commercial purposes

 

[Singleton]

Uber and Lyft got a ruling, NO commercial plates needed

In CA they got this ruling. From what I am hearing Uber and Lyft drivers are going to have issues with car insurance soon. Most personal car insurance excludes commercial usage and pressure is being applied by insurance companies that Uber and Lyft need to provide driver data to insurance companies. This will cause a huge issue for both companies; they both are fighting not to provide that data.