Commercial vehicles that are designed, used, or maintained mainly to transport property or people for hire, compensation, or profit must be registered as commercial vehicles with the California DMV. That includes commercial motor vehicles rated at 10,001 pounds GVW or more and most trailers.
What truck owners should know
- Fees by weight: vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more pay Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) fees based on declared gross or combined weight, plus registration, vehicle license, and local fees.
- Weight decals: your CVRA decal shows the maximum weight you can operate at. If you increase your declared weight, you must pay the extra fees before running heavier.
- CARB compliance: diesel trucks over 14,000 pounds must meet CARB rules. If CARB reports a truck as noncompliant, the DMV blocks its registration and ownership transfer until it is back in compliance.
Need commercial truck repair or a Clean Truck Check in San Diego? Kearny Mesa Truck Center has kept San Diego trucks on the road since 1970. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, at 5624 Kearny Villa Rd.