California Tacos only...

I added a SnugTop shell back in March. I read somewhere on this site it would classify as an SUV, eliminating the weight fees on my registration renewal. That alone saves me close to $160. I called the DMV, confirmed this and set up an inspection appointment.
Last week I received new plates, title and registration. I now have a 6-series plate number versus the 7-series the truck came with when I bought it. My wife dropped the old plates off at the DMV and I just submitted my request for a refund on fees already paid. We'll see how long that takes to process.

FYI, it you're interested in doing this call for an appointment and bring ALL your docs with you - title, registration etc. They will process it on the spot and there's no fee either. Small amount of effort on your part will save cash for more important items (like mods).

 

Very Cool
No, I'm Not Lost

 

Good info thanks, I was thinking about getting camper shell.

 

Good info... and also this just goes to show how backwards the CA government still is :/ I don't quiet see how adding a camper turns a truck into a SUV but hey, it saves you cash and that's always great!

 

Does it have to be a hard shell or could you argue a bestop supertop? I have to switch over soon and if I can save in the long run, I could justify the purchase

 

Do keep us informed how much u get back. Been thinking about Taking it to DMV and saving a few $.
Thanks!

 

subscribed

 

parking in a yellow zone downtown san francisco, is sometimes worth the commercial plate.

i have a topper, i may investigate.

 

I don't blame you but as I recall if you take it off you can get a ticket for that.. one trip to the dumps or haul something that does not fit under the shell and I am sure the ticket would be more than what you saved.. I am sure some other LEO will chime in.

 

Maybe search the DMV website (that could be futile) or just invest the time on hold to speak to a live human being for the answer. I believe their point was that a hard shell would become "permanently" (nuts and bolts) affixed to the vehicle, thereby changing the basic configuration thus preventing you from transporting a refrigerator, lol.
I really have no way to remove it myself or any place to store it either. So using the truck for anything too large would mean borrowing another or having it delivered. That's the trade-off I made. I wanted a secure area for camping, bikes, bug-out etc., and I'm very happy with the end result.

 

I've read your post a handful of times and want to make sure I understand what you've written - that LE would stop/inquire if I had the above items visible out of the liftgate/door with a non-commercial plate?

 

I'm pretty sure if you put a cover on, get it inspected, get the ok, then take it off, LE would probably ding you if they pulled you over for something else. IDK if they'd even know to pull you over if you are registered under a certain classification that you're not in anymore.

 

The top must be permenantly attached to the truck.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=77269939+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

.........................................

 

Great, stupid as hell on DMV's part as the title says "TRUCK"

May have issues when selling or trading in also!

 

It was not the DMV's fault. It was the dumb ass legislators who wrote the law.

http://cssrc.us/web/18/publications.aspx?id=3304&aspxautodetectcookiesupport=1

 

That too! Cali blows when it comes to that kinda shit!

 

Just spoke to a CHP Commercial Enforcement officer at the San Onofre scales and he stated the only requirement for an oversized load (ie. lumber) is that it's red-flagged (except hazardous materials, they have their own rules) if it extends 4' past the tail lights. Longer than 4' - it gets red lights. The truck is now considered the same as a passenger car with no restrictions on what I can haul.

Cool.

 

Having Roy on your side isn't exactly a winning argument (though the law, like most of California's busybody laws, is still dumb).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/04/roy-ashburn-arrested-anti_n_485419.html

p.s. not because he's gay, because he's a hypocrite.

 

Your post makes it sound like its illegal to transport stuff in the back with passenger registration on the truck. As long as the shell stays on the truck you can put practically anything in the back. I have searched the vehicle code and can't find anything to the contrary.

Yes. This is how I understand it too. As long as the shell says on, you can have the passenger registration and plates and you're good to go. You can move anything.

Roy has legal troubles. This is true. However his argument for the abolishment of the arbitrary truck tax is as good as it gets.