Section 38010 Of Article 1. Motor Vehicles Subject To Identification From California Vehicle Code >> Division 16.5. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 1.
38010
. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), every
motor vehicle specified in Section 38012 that is not registered under
this code because it is to be operated or used exclusively off the
highways, except as provided in this division, shall be issued and
display an identification plate or device issued by the department.
(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to any of the following:
(1) Motor vehicles specifically exempted from registration under
this code, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles exempted
pursuant to Sections 4006, 4010, 4012, 4013, 4015, 4018, and 4019.
(2) Implements of husbandry.
(3) Motor vehicles owned by the state, or any county, city,
district, or political subdivision of the state, or the United
States.
(4) Motor vehicles owned or operated by, or operated under
contract with a utility, whether privately or publicly owned, when
used as specified in Section 22512.
(5) Special construction equipment described in Section 565,
regardless of whether those motor vehicles are used in connection
with highway or railroad work.
(6) A motor vehicle with a currently valid special permit issued
under Section 38087.5 that is owned or operated by a nonresident of
this state and the vehicle is not identified or registered in a
foreign jurisdiction. For the purposes of this paragraph, a person
who holds a valid driver's license issued by a foreign jurisdiction
is presumed to be a nonresident.
(7) Commercial vehicles weighing more than 6,000 pounds unladen.
(8) Any motorcycle manufactured in the year 1942 or prior.
(9) Four-wheeled motor vehicles operated solely in organized
racing or competitive events upon a closed course when those events
are conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or
by permit issued by the local governmental authority having
jurisdiction.
(10) A motor vehicle with a currently valid identification or
registration permit issued by another state.