14.030 Trailers Excluded
The following trailers are excluded from the PTI program and are subject to annual registration as usual:
- Coach Boat Trailers (body type model CCHBT)—A trailer coach with a hull and it may be registered as a vehicle/vessel (dual registration).
- Park Trailers California Health and Safety Code (CH&SC §18009) (body type model CCHPT)—A trailer designed for human habitation for recreational or seasonal use only; that contains 400 square feet or less of gross floor area; excluding loft area space if that loft area space meets the requirements of CH&SC §§18009.3(b) and 18033; is built on a single chassis; and may only be transported upon the public highways with a permit issued by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) pursuant to VC §35780.
Park trailers and manufactured homes should have a label or data plate identifying the construction standards followed as either:
- An American National Standards Institute (ANSI) label for park trailers, which are licensed and titled by the DMV.
- A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data plate for manufactured homes, which are licensed and titled by the California Department of Housing Community Development (DHC).
The distinctions between a park trailer registered with DMV and a manufactured home registered with DHC are:
| Park Trailer |
Manufactured |
|---|---|
| Park Trailer
Definition: |
|
| Park Trailer
A trailer meeting ANSI requirements is not a manufactured home. |
Manufactured
A manufactured home meeting HUD requirements is not a park trailer. |
| Park Trailer
Label/Data Plate Type: |
|
| Park Trailer
ANSI Label |
Manufactured
HUD Data Plate |
| Park Trailer
Licensed and Titled by: |
|
| Park Trailer
DMV |
Manufactured
DHC (not DMV, regardless if the unit was previously registered by another out-of-state motor vehicle division). |
| Park Trailer
Trailer Size: |
|
| Park Trailer
Less than 400 square feet of gross floor area not counting attached porches. Cannot exceed 14 feet in width at the maximum horizontal projection. |
Manufactured
Over 320 square feet of gross floor area; more than eight feet in width and more than 40 feet in length. |
| Park Trailer
Construction Standard: |
|
| Park Trailer
ANSI A119.5 Standard for Recreational Park Trailers. |
Manufactured
HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. |
| Park Trailer Label/Data Plate Issued by: | |
| Park Trailer
Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) |
Manufactured
HUD (on the back of the unit) |
| Park Trailer
Label/Data Plate Size: |
|
| Park Trailer
Optional |
Manufactured
3” x 4” |
| Park Trailer
Label/Data Plate Material: |
|
| Park Trailer
Adhesive |
Manufactured
Red aluminum |
| Park Trailer
Label/Data Plate Location: |
|
| Park Trailer
Exterior of the trailer, often by the front door. |
Manufactured
Manufactured after June 15, 1976. A HUD data plate should be located on the left rear of the unit. Manufactured before June 15, 1976. A California label should be located on the left rear of the unit. |
| Park Trailer
Additional Information: |
|
| Park Trailer
Park trailers do have a vehicle identification number (VIN), but no additional serial number (SN) stamped into the front cross member of the chasis. |
Manufactured
Manufactured homes do not have a VIN; instead, they have a SN stamped into the front cross member of the chasis. The HUD data plate will verify the: manufacturer’s name, trade/model name, year of manufacture, SN, and HUD construction code label and zone. |
Both trailer types have a plate indicating the Manufacturer/Model/Year/VIN or SN as follows:
| Type |
Size |
Material |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type
Park Trailer |
Size
Usually 2” x 4” |
Material
Adhesive or metal |
Location
Near the electrical panel. |
| Type
Manufactured Home |
Size
8 1/2” x 11” to 8 1/2” x 14” |
Material
Adhesive or metal |
Location
Inside the home, near the main electrical breaker box, usually in a nearby cabinet. |
| Type
Important: Park trailers do not qualify for PTI registration and are subject to annual registration fees. |
|||
In addition to regular or nonresident park trailer registration requirements, the applicant must submit a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form stating:
- “This unit being registered is an ANSI park trailer and contains XX square feet and is XX feet in width at the maximum horizontal projection.” Cannot exceed 400 square feet of gross floor space, not counting attached porches, and cannot exceed 14 feet in width at the maximum horizontal projection.
- How they determined that the trailer is a ANSI park trailer (for example, the ANSI data plate was present on the trailer at one time, but fell off during transport) if no data plate is identified in the Comments Section of the REG 31 and the gross floor space is less than 400 square feet.
The trailer must be moved by permit, so normally DMV will not be completing the Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form.
Note Many manufacturers make park trailers just under the 400 square feet size restriction (for example 396 square feet), and a manufactured home can be as little as 320 square feet; therefore, it is important to locate the identifying data.
- Park Trailer Boats (body type model CCHPTBT)—A trailer with a hull which may be registered as a vehicle/vessel (dual registration).
- Trailer Coaches (VC §635) (body type model CCH)—A vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed for human occupancy or human habitation for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes, for carrying persons and property on its own structure, and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. A trailer coach cannot exceed 8 1/2 feet (102 inches) in width or 40 feet (480 inches) in length.
- Travel trailers and/or fifth-wheel travel trailers (VC §§242 and 636) that exceed the maximum length and/or width requirements for a camp trailer are trailer coaches (body type model CCH) and cannot be registered under the PTI program.
Note Converter gears and auxiliary dollies may be registered under the PTI program, but it is not required. The maximum length limitation for fifth-wheel trailer coaches is 48 feet (576 inches) and the maximum width is 8 1/2 feet (102 inches). Fifth-wheel travel trailers that do not exceed any of the following lengths may be registered, regardless of the date first sold or operated:
- All: 48 feet in length from the kingpin point of the trailer to the rear extremity of the trailer.
- Single-axle: 38 feet in length from the kingpin to the rearmost axle.
- Two or more axles: 40 feet in length from the kingpin to the rearmost axle.
Note A kingpin is the main vertical bolt that locks the fifth-wheel to the semi-tractor or pickup truck.
For original registration of a travel trailer that exceeds 40 feet (480 inches), but does not exceed 48 feet (576 inches), the applicant must submit:
- All regular registration requirements.
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF)form, which describes the vehicle and lists the length in Section G.
14.025 Title Options
A California Certificate of Title is not automatically issued to PTI trailers unless there is a lienholder/legal owner (LO), in which case a title is issued or an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) record created. The registered owner (RO), (when there is not an LO) of a PTI trailer, must request issuance of a paper California Certificate of Title by submitting a completed and signed REG 4017.
| If a |
Then |
|---|---|
| If a
RO (when there is no LO) requests issuance of a paper title |
Then
|
| If a
Title is not requested |
Then
|
| If a
LO participates in the ELT program |
Then
|
14.020 Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification (REG 4017) Form
The REG 4017 (PDF) is a two-sided form used for trailers registered in the PTI program as follows:
- Side A is completed and signed by sole owners requesting a paper title.
- Side B is an application for:
- Transfer of ownership of a PTI trailer if a paper title was not issued (excluding ELTs). The transfer may be a registered owner transfer or a release of lienholder/legal owner (LO) only.
- Adding a LO.
Note An Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form cannot be used if a PTI paper title was not issued.
14.015 Original Registrations
Document requirements for original registration are the same, except:
- A weight certificate is not required. The vehicle owner, lessee, or the dealer selling the trailer may certify to the trailer’s unladen weight on the Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397) form or Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form.
- A completed Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification (REG 4017) (PDF) form is required.
- The nonresident service fee is not collected.
Note The PTI fee may be posted for any PTI trailer entering this state that is not licensed, registered, titled, or issued identification, and which will be placed into dealer inventory to be sold or a Nonresident Commercial Trip Permit (REG 41) may be purchased. This allows the trailer to enter the state without PTI registration in the dealer’s name (which prevents sale as a new trailer).
14.010 Maintenance Service Fee or PNO Every Five Years
Trailers registered under the PTI program are not subject to annual registration. However, the owners of trailers registered under the PTI program are required to either pay a maintenance service fee or file a Planned Non-Operation Certification (PNO–REG 102) (PDF) form every five years, starting with registrations expiring on or after December 31, 2006, to retain the PTI record on file with the department. Refer to Appendix 1F for fee amounts.
14.005 Definitions
The following trailers are registered under the PTI program.
Auxiliary Dolly (VC §225)—A vehicle, not designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure, which is constructed and used in conjunction with a semi-trailer to support a portion of the weight of the semi-trailer and any load. It is not permanently attached to the semi-trailer, although part of the weight of the dolly may rest on another vehicle.
B-Train Assembly—A rigid frame extension attached to the rear frame of a semitrailer which allows a fifth-wheel connection point for a second semi-trailer.
Camp Trailer (VC §242)—A vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed to be towed on the highway, capable of human habitation for camping or recreational purposes, that does not exceed 16 feet in overall length from the foremost point of the trailer hitch to the rear extremity of the trailer body and 96 inches in width. Where a trailer telescopes for travel, the size shall apply to the trailer as fully extended.
Note A tent trailer is a camp trailer. A camp trailer is not a trailer coach.
Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer (VC §324)—A vehicle designed for recreational purposes to carry persons or property on its own structure and so constructed as to be drawn by a motor vehicle by means of a kingpin connecting device.
Note Fifth-wheel travel trailers that exceed the maximum length and/or width requirements for a camp trailer (VC §242) are trailer coaches (CCH) (VC §635) and cannot be registered under the PTI program.
House Dollies—Dollies for moving houses, other than those with drawbars for direct towing, are not subject to registration. House dollies equipped with drawbars are subject to registration as trailers.
Jeep Trailer or Converter Gear—A vehicle with one axle, two or four wheels, and a fifth-wheel. It connects onto the fifth-wheel of a truck-tractor and supports and distributes the front-end weight of a semi-trailer between the truck-tractor and the jeep. A jeep trailer is registered in the same manner as any other semi-trailer.
Logging Dollies (VC §378)—A vehicle designed for carrying logs, having one or more axles (multiple axles cannot be more than 54 inches apart), and used in connection with a motor truck solely for the purpose of transporting logs and securely connected with the towing vehicle both by a reach and by the load.
Modular Mobile Equipment Trailers—Trailers and semi-trailers modified by the addition of permanently-attached equipment requiring manual operation by a person, including mobile medical service trailers and television remote studios. Modular mobile equipment trailers are assigned a body type model of “MMETLR.”
Motorized Semi-Trailer—The same as a semi-trailer. The cost of the motor is included in the vehicle value/cost.
Miscellaneous Trailers—Unusual types of trailers, such as collapsible trailers which easily fit in a car trunk when not in use, and boats with wheels on the bow and hitches on the stern to enable them to be used as one-wheel trailers, are subject to registration if they fit the definition of a trailer or semi-trailer when in use.
Manufacturers and sellers of these vehicles (even if sold in kit form) must apply for special plates and certificates as required by VC §11701.
Semi-Trailer (VC §550)—A vehicle designed for carrying persons or property used in conjunction with a motor vehicle, and constructed so that some part of its weight and of its load rests upon, or is carried by, another vehicle.
Tow Dolly (VC §617)—A vehicle towed by a motor vehicle and designed and used exclusively to transport another motor vehicle upon which the front or rear wheels of the towed motor vehicle are mounted, while the other wheels of the towed motor vehicle remain in contact with the ground.
A tow dolly is not required to be registered, but may be registered under the PTI program. Tow dolly operators who plan to operate their tow dollies in other states are encouraged to apply for PTI, as other states may require indicia on these specialized trailers.
Note A tow dolly does not include a portable or collapsible dolly used as specified in CVC §4014.
Trailer (VC§630)—A vehicle designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, and constructed so that no part of its weight rests on any other vehicle.
Travel Trailer—A portable unit mounted on wheels, of a size and weight that does not require special highway movement permits when drawn by a motor vehicle and for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy California Civil Code (CCC §799.24).
Note Travel trailers that exceed the maximum length and/or width requirements for a camp trailer are trailer coaches (CCH) (VC §635) and cannot be registered under the PTI program.
Utility Trailer (VC§667)—A trailer or semitrailer used solely for the transportation of the user’s personal property, not in commerce, or designed and used for transportation of livestock, and does not exceed a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds.
Note The addition of living quarters to a trailer does not permanently alter that vehicle for human habitation. The living quarters are secondary or incidental to the primary function of the vehicle, which is transporting property.
VIN Assigned (VC §4166)—Some trailers and semi-trailers do not have factory vehicle identification numbers (VIN). Refer to VIN Plate Assignments section in Chapter 1 for procedures.
14.000 Introduction
Chapter 14 Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI)
Under the PTI program, trailers are issued a PTI license plate and a permanent identification card rather than regular trailer plates.
Note During conversion to the PTI program (starting with registrations that expired 12/31/2001), trailer owners were allowed to retain their existing trailer license plate or be issued new PTI plates. Those owners may exchange the retained trailer license plate for a PTI license plate at no charge.
Additional Information
- Partial Year Registration (PYR) is not available for trailers.
- Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) is not available for trailers.
- Trailers cannot be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP)
- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue a (new) PTI license plate, if requested, and/or the PTI identification card (in lieu of a registration card). PTI owners may retain the trailer plate or special interest plate on the PTI trailer or place personalized plates on a PTI trailer. (Renewal fees will include any special plate fees due).
Chapter 14: Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI)
14.010 Maintenance Service Fee or PNO Every Five Years
14.020 Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification (REG 4017) Form
13.175 Weight Fee Schedules and Weight Ranges
Refer to Appendix 1F for information.
13.170 Weight Fee Penalty Exceptions
A weight fee penalty is not assessed when:
- The fees for an original California or nonresident vehicle registration application are paid within 20 days after the fees became due.
- A Certificate of Non-Operation (REG 102) form is acceptable and fees are paid within 20 days after date of first operation.
- A planned nonoperation (PNO) is on file and fees are paid prior to the date of first operation. A REG 102 is required to prorate the weight fees.
- A vehicle is purchased before penalties become due and the buyer pays the fees within 20 days after the date of purchase.
- The registration expiration date or penalty-free period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, and the fees are paid on the next business day.