16.015 Title Only (VC §§4010 and 36100)
A “title only” may be issued for implements of husbandry which are only incidentally operated or moved over a highway (VC §§36000 through 36017), special construction equipment (VC §§565 and 570), and special mobile equipment (VC §575) which are exempt from registration or required to display an SE identification (ID) plate.
The following must be submitted:
- A completed REG 343 (PDF).
- A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form.
- A photograph of the vehicle and/or equipment.
- Proof of ownership and any bills of sale needed to establish a complete chain of ownership.
- For new vehicles — a REG 256 (PDF) or bill or sale, on which the seller states: “I hereby certify that I am authorized by (company) to sell the above described vehicle.” or the dealer’s invoice (certification not needed if the invoice on the dealer’s letterhead shows the seller is authorized to sell vehicle).
- The title only fee shown in Appendix 1F.
Note A licensed dealer selling SE vehicles must complete a report of sale as usual.
16.010 Identification Plates (VC §§5011, 5015-5016, and 36115)
Special construction equipment, special mobile equipment, cemetery equipment, and logging vehicles must display an SE identification (ID) plate. SE plates have a fixed expiration of 12/31 every five years and must be renewed between January 1 and February 4 following the expiration date. Fees are not prorated on original or renewal applications. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.
Note Government-owned vehicles subject to SE plate requirements are exempt from the SE plate fee. These applications are only processed by SPU in DMV headquarters.prorated on original or renewal applications. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.
- SE plates are optional for implements of husbandry (VC §36000).
- SE plates are required for:
- Special mobile equipment (VC §575).
- Special construction equipment (VC §565).
- Cemetery equipment (VC §4012).
- Farm vehicles (VC §36101).
- Logging vehicles (VC §379).
Water Tank Trucks Owned by an Equipment Rental Company—A water tank truck owned by an equipment rental company may be issued SE plates if usage is limited on the rental contract to highway construction or railroad right-of-way construction or maintenance. A REG 256 must be submitted with the plate application, as listed in SE Plate Applications in this section.
SE Plate Applications—The applicant must submit:
- A completed Application for Special Equipment Identification Plate (REG 88) (PDF) form, which fully describes the use of the vehicle and/or equipment.
- A photo of the entire vehicle/equipment. The photo should not exceed the size of the REG 88. One photo is acceptable for multiple applications for identical vehicles/equipment presented at the same time. Cross-reference each application without a photo to the application with the photo. Write “Refer to ID# for photo” on the face of those applications.
- An SE fee for each vehicle.
- A REG 256 (PDF) for water tank trucks owned by an equipment rental company which certifies “The vehicle is limited by contract for use on highway construction or railroad rights-of-way construction or maintenance.”
DMV will not process the application if any of the following apply, the:
- Use is not adequately explained.
- Use or design conflicts with the specifications in the California Vehicle Code.
- Photo or required fee is not submitted.
- For a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV), change the body type model (BTM) to “FARM”.
- Collect the fee due. A late penalty is not assessed for SE plates.
- Process an exempt agency application as a no-fee transaction. An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form is not required.
- If a “title only” or “transfer only” application is made at the same time, collect the title/transfer only fee in addition to the SE fee.
- Send the application to SPU in DMV headquarters.
Important Do not issue SE plates to concrete pumps/pumper booms, oil well drilling rigs, and other similar equipment. These vehicles meet the definition of, and must be registered as a “crane.”
16.005 Dealer/Manufacturer SE Plates (VC §§5016.5 and 36115(b))
SE dealers and manufacturers are not required to be occupational licensees of DMV. SE dealers and manufacturers may operate or move special construction equipment, tow dollies, special mobile equipment, cemetery equipment, or implements of husbandry upon the highways during the delivery of, or during the demonstration for the sale of, such equipment provided an identification (ID) plate is displayed upon the equipment. A special series of plates is issued to SE dealers and manufacturers pursuant to VC §5016. The plates identify the dealer/manufacturer by appropriate abbreviations in addition to a distinguishing number. More than one plate may be issued to a SE dealer/manufacturer.
The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Special Identification Plate Dealer or Manufacturer (REG 353) form for each plate being requested. The local business license (city or county) number must be included.
- The required fee(s). Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.
Surrender of Plate(s) for Dealer/Manufacturer No Longer in Business—Any dealer/manufacturer plates and ID cards issued under the provisions of VC §5016 must be surrendered within 10 days of the date a dealer or manufacturer ceases business with a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form regarding termination of business as a dealer/manufacturer.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Destroy the surrendered plates.
- Send the ID card and REG 256 (PDF) to the Special Processing Unit (SPU) in DMV headquarters.
Substitute (Special Equipment) SE Plate/Stickers—Refer to the Substitute Plate/Stickers and/or Replacement ID Card section in Chapter 20.
Chapter 16 Special Equipment (SE)
16.000 Introduction
This chapter contains special equipment (SE) identification (ID) requirements and procedures.
Cemetery (VC §4012)—Any vehicle, implement, or equipment specifically designed or altered for and used exclusively in the maintenance or operation of cemetery grounds, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway.
Farm Tractor Used for Towing (VC §36015)—Implement of husbandry includes any farm tractor, otherwise an implement of husbandry, used upon a highway to draw a farm trailer, carrying farm produce, or to draw any trailer or semitrailer carrying other implements of husbandry, between farms, or from a farm to a processing or handling point and returning with or without the trailer.
Farm Trailer (VC §36010)—A farm trailer is either of the following:
- A trailer or semitrailer owned and operated by a farmer in the conduct of agricultural operations, and used exclusively to transport agricultural products upon the highways to the point of first handling and return.
- A trailer or semitrailer equipped with rollers on the bed, with a frame not taller than 10 inches high, and with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,000 pounds or less, that is owned, rented, or leased by a farmer and operated by that farmer in the conduct of agricultural operations, used exclusively to transport fruit and vegetables upon the highway to the point of first handling and return, and that was manufactured and in use prior to January 1, 1997. These vehicles may also be operated on the highways without a load for the purpose of delivering a rented or leased vehicle to the renting or leasing farmer’s farm, or returning empty to the owner’s premises.
Farm Vehicles (VC §36101)—The following farm vehicles are exempt from registration provided they have and display an SE plate as specified in VC §5014. These vehicles are not implements of husbandry and are subject to all equipment and device requirements as if registered.
- An oversized farm vehicle requiring a permit under VC §35780, owned and operated by a farmer, designed and used exclusively for carrying feed and seed products of farming from one part of a farm to another part thereof, or from one farm to another farm and returning empty (VC §36101(a)) (formerly referred to as Oversize Feed and Seed Motor Vehicle).
- A vehicle equipped with a water tank owned by a farmer and used exclusively to service the farmer’s own implements of husbandry (VC §36101(b)).
- A water tank truck, which is owned by a farmer, not operated for compensation, and used extensively in the conduct of agricultural operations, when used exclusively for sprinkling water on dirt roads providing access to agricultural fields or transportation of water for irrigation of crops or trees (VC §36101(c)).
- A modular mover as defined in VC §§36012 and 36101(d)).
- A trailer equipped with a plenum chamber for the drying of agricultural commodities (VC §36101(e)).
- Except as provided in VC §36005 (j), a trap wagon, as defined in VC §36016, which is equipped with a fuel tank or tanks. The fuel tank or tanks cannot exceed 3000 gallons total capacity (VC §36101(f)).
- A forklift truck, operated by a farmer not for compensation. For purposes of this section a hay-squeeze shall be considered a forklift (VC §36101(g)).
- A truck tractor or truck tractor and semitrailer combination which is owned by a farmer and operated on the highways only incidental to a farming operation and not for compensation (VC §36101(h)).
This definition applies only to truck tractors with a manufacturer’s GVW rating over 10,000 pounds that are equipped with all-wheel drive and off-highway traction tires on all wheels, and only to semitrailers used in combination with such a truck tractor and exclusively in the production or harvesting of melons. These vehicles shall not be operated in excess of 25 miles per hour on the highways. These vehicles may be prohibited by law from operating on specific routes.
In order to maintain the exemption from registration granted under VC §36101 for a truck tractor, when combined with a semitrailer, the owner of the truck tractor shall not operate it during the exemption period in any manner other than as a cotton module mover, as defined in VC §36012, and shall do all of the following:
- Register the vehicle before operating it as a commercial motor vehicle.
- Apply annually to renew the exemption from registration. Refer to Truck Tractor/Semitrailer Combination Cotton Module Mover section in this chapter for procedures.
Note These vehicles are exempt from payment of the vehicle license fee (VLF) and weight fees, but must pay the registration fee required under VC §9250.1, the law enforcement fee required under VC §9250.8, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee required under VC §9250.13 each year.
• A motor vehicle specifically designed for, and used exclusively in, an agricultural operation for purposes of carrying, or returning empty from carrying, silage and is operated by a farmer, an employee of the farmer, or a contracted employee of the farmer between one part of a farm to another part of that farm or from one farm to another farm, on a highway for a distance not to exceed 20 miles from the point of origin of the trip. This does not include a vehicle that is used for transportation of silage for retail sales. For purposes of this definition, “silage” includes field corn, sorghum, grass, legumes, cereals or cereal mixes, either green or mature, converted into feed for livestock (VC §36101(i)).
Farm vehicles shall not be operated on the highway:
- Laden for more than two miles from the point of origin.
- Unladen for more than 30 miles from the point of origin.
- Unladen for more than 15 miles from the point of origin, unless accompanied by an escort vehicle to the front and rear.
Note Farm vehicles do not have the same equipment requirements as implements of husbandry.
Implements of Husbandry (VC §§36000 and 36005)—A vehicle which is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.
Vehicles that are designed primarily for transportation of persons or property on a highway are not implements of husbandry unless they are specifically designated as such by other provisions of the Vehicle Code.
Implement of husbandry includes, but is not limited to:
- A lift carrier or other vehicle designed and used exclusively for the lifting and carrying of implements of husbandry or tools used exclusively for the production or harvesting of agricultural products, when operated or moved upon a highway (VC §36005(a)).
- A trailer of the tip-bed type when used exclusively in the transportation of other implements of husbandry or tools used exclusively for the production or harvesting of agricultural products (VC §36005(b)).
- A trailer or semitrailer having no bed, and designed and used solely for transporting a hay loader or swather (VC §36005(c)).
- A spray or fertilizer applicator rig used exclusively for spraying or fertilizing in the conduct of agricultural operations. Excluded from this definition are anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator rigs which have a transportation capacity in excess of 500 gallons (VC §36005(d)).
- A trailer or semitrailer which has a maximum transportation capacity in excess of 500 gallons, but not more than 1000 gallons, used exclusively for the transportation and application of anhydrous ammonia, if the vehicle is either equipped with operating brakes or is towed upon a highway by a motortruck that is assigned a manufacturer’s GVW rating of 3/4 ton or more. A combination of vehicles is limited to two vehicles operated one behind the other (VC §36005(e)).
- A nurse rig or equipment auxiliary to the use of and designed or modified for the fueling, repairing, or loading of an applicator rig or an airplane used for the dusting, spraying, fertilizing, or seeding of crops (VC §36005(f)).
- A row duster (VC §36005(g)).
- A wagon or van used exclusively for carrying products of farming from one part of a farm to another part thereof, or from one farm to another farm, and used solely for agricultural purposes, including any van used in harvesting alfalfa or cotton, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway as a trailer (VC §36005(h)).
- A wagon or portable house on wheels used solely by shepherds as a permanent residence in connection with sheep raising operations and moved from one part of a ranch to another part thereof or from one ranch to another ranch, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway as a trailer (VC §36005(i)).
- Notwithstanding of VC §36101(f), a trap wagon, as defined in VC §36016, moved from one part of a ranch to another part of the same ranch or from one ranch to another, which is only operated or moved on a highway incidental to agricultural operations. The fuel tank or tanks of the trap wagon shall not exceed 1000 gallons total capacity (VC §36005(j)).
- Any vehicle which is operated upon a highway only for the purpose of transporting agricultural products for a total distance of one mile or less from the point of origin of the trip (VC §36005(k)).
- A portable honey-extracting trailer or semitrailer (VC §36005(l)).
- A non self-propelled fertilizer nurse tank or trailer which is moved unladen on the highway and auxiliary to the use of a spray or fertilizer applicator rig (VC §36005(m)).
- Any cotton trailer when used on the highways for the exclusive purpose of transporting cotton from a farm to a cotton gin, and returning the empty trailer to such farm (VC §36005(n)). An SE plate is required prior to movement on the highway (VC §5014).
- A truck tractor or truck tractor and semitrailer combination which is owned by a farmer and operated on the highways only incidental to a farming operation, not for compensation, and for a distance of not more than two miles (on the highway) each way (VC §36005(o)).
Chapter 16: Special Equipment
16.005 Dealer/Manufacturer SE Plates
16.025 Truck Tractor/Semitrailer Combination Modular Mover
15.160 Waiver of OHV Fees and/or Penalties (VC §38247)
Under specific circumstances DMV is authorized to waive the unpaid OHV fees and/or penalties due. The unpaid OHV fees and penalties are the personal debt of the transferor who did not pay the fees and penalties when they became due. DMV may
collect waived fees and penalties in an appropriate civil action.
DMV Policy—A penalty may be waived by the manager or designee when an employee of DMV or any other state agency gives an applicant erroneous information which causes a penalty to become due.
Transfer Applications—Fees and Penalties may be waived for any year upon payment of the OHV fees due for the current year when a transferee applies for transfer and it is determined that the OHV fees for any year are unpaid and due, that the fees became due prior to the transferee’s purchase of the vehicle, and that the transferee was not aware of the fact that the fees were unpaid and due. A current OHV plate must be on the OHV for the year which fees are believed to be paid to waive fees and penalties.
Other Applications—Penalties may be waived on any application upon payment of the fees then due for OHV identification when the manager or designee determines that circumstances caused the penalties to accrue through no fault or intent of the owner. Only penalties may be waived when the customer states there is not a current OHV plate on the vehicle.
Determining Fee and/or Penalty Waivers—The conditions under which fees and/or penalties may be waived are specific. Therefore, when a customer indicates they are not aware of outstanding fees and/or penalties due on a vehicle, you must verbally discuss the circumstances with the customer to determine if it is appropriate to waive the fees and/or penalties in question.
The following must be submitted:
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form with the OHV plate number which states they were not aware of any unpaid fees and penalties.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Confirm that the customer was not aware that the fees had not been paid.
- Ask why the customer believes the fees and/or penalties were paid and not due.
- Verify that the fees and/or penalties in question became due or prior to the customer’s purchase date.
- Attach the REG 256 (PDF)to the application, if the fee waiver is approved.
- Collect the transfer fee and any other fees due.
- Waive the OHV fee and penalty due for the year in question if a current OHV plate is on the OHV.
- Waive only the penalties if a current OHV plate is not on the vehicle.
- Issue an OHV plate if the application is complete.
15.155 Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) VC §531
A UTV is a motor vehicle:
- Designed for operation off of the highway.
- Suspended on four tires.
- Has a steering wheel for steering control.
- Has one seat to accommodate a driver and one passenger sitting side by side.
The vehicle identification number analysis (VINA) program may erroneously generate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) body type model (BTM) as defined in Vehicle Code §111 for a UTV, because the definition of a UTV varies from state to state.
If BTM ATV generates for a UTV, the procedures below must be followed:
- Follow the procedures found in the Original OHV Registration Application section in this chapter.
- Change the BTM to 4W.
For a UTV used exclusively in agricultural operations (implements of husbandry), refer to the Special Equipment (SE) Identification Plates section in Chapter 16.
A new body type model (BTM) “RO” was created for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).
An ROV has:
- A steering wheel for steering control.
- Nonstraddle (bucket or bench) seats for the operator and all passengers.
- A maximum speed capability of greater than 30 miles per hour.
- An engine displacement equal to or less than 1000cc.
The procedures below must be followed:
When registering an original off-highway vehicle (OHV), continue to follow current procedures in this chapter. If the application is for an ROV:
- Use BTM “RO” and body type code (BTC) “Y.”
- Fees are due for the appropriate indicia issued.
If the ROV is amphibious and requires dual registration (OHV and vessel):
- Follow current procedures in Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual (VIRP), Chapter 27 when a completed Application for Registration Number Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101) form is submitted.
- Process the OHV application first.
- Use BTM “AP” (amphibian) for the OHV application and vessel type “A” (amphibious) for the vessel application.
Note A California Certificate of Title is issued only to OHVs for dual registration.
15.150 Use Tax (VC §38211)
Collection of use tax for OHVs is the same as for on-highway vehicles. Refer to Chapter 4 for use tax instructions.
15.145 Transfers (VC §38195)
The requirements for transfer of the registered and/or legal owner of an OHV are the same as for transfers of on-highway vehicles except:
- The transfer fee must be paid within 30 days of the date of transfer to avoid penalty.
- A smog certification is not required.
- Odometer disclosure is not required for vehicles originally manufactured for off-highway use without an odometer and being converted to on-highway operation.
When renewal penalties have not accrued, the transferee has 20 days from the transfer date to pay the fees due without penalty (VC §§38246 and 38250). Refer to the OHV Fees and Waiver of OHV Fees and/or Penalties sections in this chapter for penalty and waiver information.
15.140 Stolen or Embezzled OHVs (VC §38125)
Within 20 days after the date of recovery, the owner of a stolen or embezzled OHV vehicle may secure the identification or renewal of identification without penalty if the vehicle was not in their possession when penalties accrued.
A Stolen or Embezzled Vehicle Certification (REG 256A) form completed by the owner must be submitted with the application.