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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 3Ch. 1Art. 1§ 4003 Special Moving Vehicle Permits

§ 4003 Special Moving Vehicle Permits

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4003 Special Moving Vehicle Permits

Key Takeaways

  • •You can get a special permit to move an empty vehicle (like a truck or trailer) for one trip, either within California or to/from another state.
  • •You can also get a permit to drive a vehicle in a parade or show, but the trip must be round-trip, under 100 miles, and finished in 60 days.
  • •The permit must be stuck on the windshield or another easy-to-see spot, and it replaces the need for normal California registration for that trip.

Example

You have a big empty trailer in Los Angeles that you need to take to Las Vegas.

You can get a special permit for this one trip instead of registering the trailer in California. You stick the permit on the windshield, and you’re good to go—just for this trip.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4003 Special Moving Vehicle Permits

A permit, as described in Section 9258, may be issued by the department for operating any of the following vehicles, except a crane: (a) A vehicle while being moved or operated unladen for one continuous trip from a place within this state to another place either within or without this state or from a place without this state to a place within this state. (b) A vehicle while being moved or operated for one round trip to be completed within 60 days from one place to another for the purpose of participating as a vehicular float or display in a lawful parade or exhibition, provided that the total round trip does not exceed 100 miles. The department may issue a quantity of permits under this subsection in booklet form upon payment of the proper fee for each permit contained in such booklet. Each permit shall be valid for only one vehicle and for only one continuous trip. Such permit shall be posted upon the windshield or other prominent place upon a vehicle and shall identify the vehicle to which it is affixed. When so affixed, such permit shall serve in lieu of California registration. (Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 326.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

permitvehiclecraneunladenround tripparade or exhibitionCalifornia registration

Related Statutes

  • § 4006 Crossing Vehicle Exemption
  • § 12504 Nonresident Teen Driver Licensing
  • § 12517.3 School Bus Driver Fingerprinting
  • § 4000.15 Diesel Vehicle Emission Compliance
  • § 4000.37 Vehicle Registration Insurance Proof

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 4003.
View Official Source