In the realm of vehicle operation and ownership, understanding classifications is crucial, especially when it comes to commercial vehicles. Just as knowing how to program a CHP Nissan car key is essential for accessing and operating your vehicle, understanding the definitions of commercial vehicles is vital for legal compliance and proper registration. This guide delves into the specific definitions of commercial vehicles as outlined in the California Vehicle Code (VC), providing clarity for owners, operators, and anyone involved in the transportation industry. While seemingly disparate, both programming your CHP Nissan car key and understanding vehicle classifications are about ensuring you have the right access and knowledge for your vehicle’s intended use.
Commercial Vehicle (VC §260)
A Commercial Vehicle, according to VC §260, is defined as any vehicle that requires registration and is utilized or maintained for transporting individuals for hire, compensation, or profit. It also encompasses vehicles designed, used, or maintained primarily for property transportation. Interestingly, just as there are specific steps to program a CHP Nissan car key to match your vehicle, there are specific criteria that define a commercial vehicle. Certain vehicle types can be registered as either passenger or commercial depending on their use:
- Multipurpose vehicles.
- Passenger-type vehicles used for transporting persons for hire, similar to how a programmed CHP Nissan car key is specifically for your vehicle and its purpose.
- Pickup trucks with permanently attached campers, where the “permanence” is a defining characteristic, much like the unique programming of a CHP Nissan car key.
- Station wagons.
A bus (VC §233) is classified as a commercial vehicle when it is used to transport people for hire, compensation, or profit. This also applies when a profit-making entity provides bus transportation, and customers pay for the bus service as part of the overall cost for the primary service. Just as you need the right CHP Nissan car key programmed for the bus, the bus itself needs to be correctly classified based on its commercial function.
Motor Truck (VC §410)
A Motor Truck, as per VC §410, is a motor vehicle specifically designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. This is a fundamental definition to differentiate vehicle types, much like distinguishing the programming process for a CHP Nissan car key from other vehicle key types.
Pickup (VC §471)
The definition of a Pickup (VC §471) is more detailed. It’s a motor truck with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 11,500 pounds and an unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds. Pickups also feature an open box-type bed that is less than nine feet in length. California Code of Regulations, Title 13 §150.04, further clarifies pickup trucks:
(a) Any motor vehicle, excluding motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or motorized quadricycles, with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length is considered a pickup. Examples include the Nissan Frontier and Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Just as you learn how to program a CHP Nissan car key specifically for your Nissan, these regulations specifically define what constitutes a “pickup,” including models like the Nissan Frontier.
(b) Any motor vehicle, again excluding motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or motorized quadricycles, that can be configured or reconfigured to have an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length is also a pickup. The Chevrolet Avalanche is an example of such a vehicle.
GVWR is a mandatory detail for all pickup trucks when applications include specific forms like the Verification of Vehicle (REG 31), Application for Registration of a New Vehicle (REG 397), or Report of Sale—Used Vehicle (REG 51). These forms are essential for registration, similar to how the correct programming is essential for your CHP Nissan car key to function.
For registration applications of vehicles with body type model (BTM) codes like pickup (PK), club cab pickup (PC), 3-door extended cab pickup (3C), or 4-door extended cab pickup (4C), and using REG 31, REG 397, or REG 51 forms, the GVWR must be included.
| Form Submitted | Completion Date | Vehicle GVWR |
|---|---|---|
| REG 31, REG 397, REG 51 | July 1, 2012, or Later | – 11,499 pounds or less: Process application as usual (GVWR for CVC definition only). – 11,500 pounds or more (no modifications): Form must indicate Varied (VA) or other BTM. Process application; do not key GVWR. Return applications post-July 1, 2012 if BTM is incorrect. |
If the Vehicle Identification Number Analysis (VINA) program produces a BTM unrecognized by the DMVA system and the GVWR is 11,499 pounds or less, the BTM should be adjusted to match REG 31, REG 397, or REG 51. For GVWR of 11,500 pounds or more, change the BTM to VA or another applicable BTM. Applications will be returned if the REG 31, REG 397, or REG 51 doesn’t specify the correct BTM. This level of detail in vehicle classification mirrors the precision needed when you program a CHP Nissan car key to ensure it works correctly with your Nissan vehicle’s system.
Pickup Exclusions—Certain trucks are explicitly not considered pickups:
- Trucks with an open box-type bed weighing over 8,000 pounds unladen or exceeding a GVWR of 11,500 pounds (BTM VA).
- Trucks equipped with a bed-mounted storage unit, often called a “utility body” (Utility—BTM UT).
- Trucks with a BTM other than an open box bed (e.g., stake, flatbed, dump).
Tow Truck (VC §615)
A Tow Truck (VC §615) is a motor vehicle altered, designed, and equipped for, and primarily used in the business of transporting vehicles. This transportation is done using a crane, hoist, tow bars, tow line, or dolly. Tow trucks are also used to assist other vehicles. A “roll-back carrier” designed for up to two vehicles is also classified as a tow truck. However, a tow vehicle used by an auto dismantler is not considered a “tow truck.” Understanding these distinctions is important for proper vehicle operation, just as understanding how to program a CHP Nissan car key for the right vehicle is critical.
Truck Tractor (VC §655)
A Truck Tractor (VC §655) is a motor vehicle designed and used mainly for drawing other vehicles. It’s not built to carry a load itself, except for a portion of the weight of the vehicles it’s drawing. “Load” in this context excludes items carried on the truck tractor for vehicle operation if the space for these items is less than 34 square feet.
Truck tractors must always be registered as commercial vehicles, regardless of whether they have living quarters. Living quarters are considered secondary to the vehicle’s primary function of drawing other vehicles. Truck tractors with living quarters should not be registered as housecars. This mandatory commercial registration highlights the importance of correct classification, much like ensuring you correctly program a CHP Nissan car key to avoid access issues.
Water-Well Drilling Rigs
There are three categories of Water-Well Drilling Rigs:
- Agricultural—These are exempt from weight fees and are issued auto license plates (VC §9405).
- Oversize—These are moved occasionally on highways, primarily used off-highway for construction, and require a permit from Caltrans. They are considered special construction equipment and can be issued Special Equipment (SE) license plates (VC §565).
- All Others—Are commercial vehicles and are subject to weight fees under VC §§9400 or 9400.1.
- For vehicles with an unladen weight of 10,000 pounds or less (VC §9400), the weight of the well-drilling machinery is excluded from the vehicle weight for weight fee calculations.
- For weight range fees under VC §9400.1 (Commercial Vehicle Registration Act of 2001 – CVRA), the weight of the well-drilling machinery is considered part of the load.
Water-well drilling rigs were previously categorized as “cranes.” A new BTM code of well driller (WD) is now assigned to commercial water-well drilling rigs. The specific categorization and fee structure for these vehicles underscore the importance of accurate vehicle classification, similar to the need for precise steps when you program a CHP Nissan car key.
Yard Trucks (VC §§4751d, 38010, and 38012)
Yard Trucks, also known as yard goats, trailer spotters, terminal tractors, or jockeys, resemble diesel tractors. They are specifically designed to move trailers within freight operation yards for storage or loading preparation.
Registration applications for yard trucks lacking a compliant 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) should not be accepted. Yard trucks without a compliant 17-digit VIN do not meet federal safety standards and cannot be titled, registered, or operated on public roadways in California. These vehicles also do not qualify for off-highway registration or special equipment identification. Yard trucks without a compliant 17-digit VIN are restricted to private property use only and cannot be operated on public roads for any reason. This stringent requirement for VIN compliance for yard trucks is akin to the necessity of correctly program a CHP Nissan car key with the right electronic codes to ensure proper and legal operation.
Understanding these commercial vehicle definitions is as essential as knowing how to program a CHP Nissan car key for your vehicle’s access and functionality. Both ensure you are operating within legal and practical parameters, whether it’s navigating vehicle classifications or simply starting your car.
