We are familiar with the structure of the truck, and it is a large and heavy motor vehicle. It has been designed to carry goods, materials etc from one area to another. If we consider California, any wheels carrying goods or intended for good transportation are viewed as commercial vehicles.
Thus, no matter whether you use the truck for commercial purposes, it has always been considered a commercial vehicle, particularly because of the design of the truck and the definition. If we talk about the charges, then the fees completely depend on the weight of the vehicle.
In California, you need to be at least 18 years old to get a commercial driving license. Along with that, you need to provide appropriate proof of age, identity and residency.
What is the Definition of a Commercial Vehicle in California?
It is a vehicle that is required to be registered and used for maintaining proper transportation. If you want, you can hire the vehicle, or you can use it for any other purposes as well. We have mentioned the vehicle that is registered as a passenger or commercial.
- Multipurpose vehicles
- Transporting persons for hire are considered passenger-type vehicles.
- The pickup trucks with attached camper.
- Station wagons
Bus:
A bus is considered a commercial vehicle in California. It is used for transporting persons for hire, compensation, or profit or when supplied for a profit-making entity. Henceforth it means if a customer pays for the bus, then it is considered a commercial vehicle.
Motor truck:
This kind of vehicle has been designed to carry transportation of property. Henceforth, it can be called a commercial vehicle.
Pickup:
This is a motor truck with a GVWP that is a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 11500 pounds. It is designed like an open box type bed that is less than 9 feet in length. The California Code of Regulation has defined the pick-up truck as title 13 § 150.04
How to Register a Commercial Vehicle?
If you want to register a commercial vehicle in California, you need to submit the application for title or registration, declaration of gross vehicle weight, etc. We have provided all the information below that will help you out.
- Application for the title or registration, as mentioned. (REG 343)
- Declaration of gross vehicle weight(GVW)/ combined gross vehicle weight(CGW). (REG 4008)
- Proper verification of the vehicle. (REG 310)
- Statement of facts. (REG 256) In case it is applicable.
- Finally, titling documents and applicable fees.
Fees to Register a Commercial Vehicle
The fees in California for the registration of commercial vehicles completely depend on the weight of the vehicles. In case your vehicle weighs 6001 lbs or more, then the fee will be charged based on the GVW or the CGW of the vehicle.
We have mentioned the details in proper order so that you can have a clear picture.
The given statement is based on the Collection And Payment Of Fees And Penalties by the Department of Motor Vehicles of California.
- The weights of the vehicles are seen as less than 10001 pounds of gross vehicle weight (GVW), and in the case of pickups, the number of axles and unladed weights are determined.
- For the vehicles that operate over 10001 pounds, GVW is determined by the declaration of GVW or combined GVW. It is known as the declaration of gross vehicle weight (GVW)/combined gross vehicle weight (CGW)(REG 4008)
- There are also penalties based on the date fees.
We have also tried to properly describe the commercially designed vehicles free from the weight fees:
- Vehicles that are set off in accordance with a permit issued by DMV.
- Equipements for agricultural water wells boring.
- The non-resident vehicles set off comparatively with reciprocity agreements.
- The forklift trucks that moved emptied over the highways.
- The commercial type of motor vehicles.
- A vehicle used on the highways for the purposes of historical exhibition or other similar noncommercial purposes.
- The commercial vehicle with an unloaded weight of 8000 pounds or less is registered to a disabled person and is given a disabled person’s license plate.
How to get a Commercial Learner Permit?
We have given the list of steps that you need to follow to get a commercial learner permit in California. And without getting a CLP, you cannot get a CDL. You have to hold the CLP for almost 14 days to get a CDL.
We have provided the process to apply for the CLP:
- You need to have an ordinary driver’s license (DL)
- Fill up the CDL application online.
- You need to submit your driving history record for the past ten years.
- Give proof of the social security number and an identity document to verify your identity.
- After that, you need to submit a recent medical evaluation form.
- Scan the thumbprint, pay the application fee and give your passport-size photo.
- Finally, you need to pass the vision and knowledge test.
Getting A Commercial Driving License
In case you want to have a commercial driving license, then you need to fulfil a few requirements. We have listed them below:
- The required minimum age must be 18 to drive within the state and a minimum of 21 to drive between states.
- Proper identity, age proof and residency proof must be there.
- You need to give the original copy of your social security document.
- You must pass all the certification tests.
- Fill out the application and submit them.
- If required, they will check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- You need to submit your driving history. They will check the past 10 years records.
- Finally, you need to pay all the required fees.
They will eventually deny the commercial driving license if you fail the test, if you do not have the needed documents, in case there is any hold from another state, etc.
Conclusion…
We have tried to give appropriate reasons why my truck is registered as a commercial vehicle in California. With the given guidance, you will have a clear picture. There are three main types of commercial driving licenses. They are class A CDL, class B CDL and class C CDL. It is essential to register the vehicle accordingly.
