Permanent Trailer Identification Plates

[ShrimpBurrito]

Mike,

I'm sure your local DMV office could do it or you....I doubt you'd have to take the trailer there to get the VIN inspected, but that thought process involves logic, which doesn't really apply there.

If you are a AAA member, just go to an AAA office, and they could do it there at no charge -- I think they will also give you the plates on the spot. Plus, they are much friendlier than the DMV folks, and the wait is WAY shorter. They also will help you with the application. If you're not an AAA member, this may be a reason to become one!

Here's the form you need.

Dave

[mjlaupp]

Even if you get the permanent LA plates, you still have to get an annual safety inspection which requires dragging the TM to an inspection station. An interesting side note is that a commercial over the road trailer can be inspected with paperwork only.

Mike

Thanks Dave,

The joys of living in a small town, although a AAA IS here, is that they won't be bothered about dealing with license plates, of any sort. I CAN get all the maps I want .

The other side of this is that the local DMV is also small and I have never had to wait more than a couple of minutes to get taken care of...

I will follow up next time I am in the neighborhood of said DMV..

Mike

Well, I finally got around to calling CA. DMV AND going to the nearest DMV office. End result is that the TM is NOT to be considered for these permanent plates.

Dave, how you managed to get those plates is beyond me, unless the person did not know what they were doing. What they did for me was check the license plate in their database and it immediately popped up as a regular travel trailer. And that was the end of the story. According to both people I talked too (phone and in person) those plates are only for things like boat trailers and little trailers that you might use to go to the dumps. The guy at the DMV did ask me how long it was, and when I said it was 20 feet, he just smiled. So Dave, be thankful they made a mistake for you....

Mike Anderson

[Wavery]

Here is the law concerning CA permanent plates:

-----------------PTI explanation---------------------
Trailers

What trailers are subject to Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI)?

All trailers except park trailers and trailer coaches are subject to PTI.

NOTE: A camp trailer or fifth-wheel trailer (depending upon maximum length, width, or size) can be registered as a trailer coach, or camp trailer. Camp trailers are subject to PTI, but trailer coaches are subject to annual registration and excluded from PTI.
-----------------Camp Trailer Explanation---------------
242. A "camp trailer" is a vehicle designed to be used on a highway, capable of human habitation for camping or recreational purposes, that does not exceed 16 feet in overall length from the foremost point of the trailer hitch to the rear extremity of the trailer body and does not exceed 96 inches in width and includes any tent trailer. Where a trailer telescopes for travel, the size shall apply to the trailer as fully extended. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a camp trailer shall not be deemed to be a trailer coach.

Added Ch. 1536, Stats. 1971. Operative May 3, 1972.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/commercial/cvra.htm
Scroll down to where it says, "Trailers"

------------------------------------------------------------------

The shortest TM that I am aware of, is 18' overall (while towing) and thereby is classifed as a "Trailer Coach" and does not qualify for PMI.


Having said all that.......DMV makes mistakes all the time. Give it a try. If they ask how long it is while towing, you may want to say, "Not very long at all........it's a folding trailer". All TENT trailers qualify.

My TM is a Travel Trailer, according to my California registration. My ATV trailer is a utility trailer and has permanent registration.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by PopBeavers

My TM is a Travel Trailer, according to my California registration. My ATV trailer is a utility trailer and has permanent registration.

That's because, "All trailers except park trailers and trailer coaches are subject to PTI."

Your ATV trailer falls in the "All trailers" category and the TM (and all other camper trailers over 16'....except tent trailers) falls in the "trailer coaches" category.

Originally Posted by harveyrv

That's because, "All trailers except park trailers and trailer coaches are subject to PTI."

Your ATV trailer falls in the "All trailers" category and the TM (and all other camper trailers over 16'....except tent trailers) falls in the "trailer coaches" category.

Theoretically, I think, if I removed the toilet then it is no longer a trailer coach and also would not require brakes unless the weight were more than 3,000 pounds (which it is anyway) instead of the current weight limit of 1,500 pounds.

But removing the toilet also means that the interest ion the loan is no longer tax deductible as a second residence.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by PopBeavers

Theoretically, I think, if I removed the toilet then it is no longer a trailer coach and also would not require brakes unless the weight were more than 3,000 pounds (which it is anyway) instead of the current weight limit of 1,500 pounds.

But removing the toilet also means that the interest ion the loan is no longer tax deductible as a second residence.

The toilet theory is rumor. What I posted is the actual CA law as it is written (see the link provided). There is no mention of "Toilets". The key is the 16' rule. If the trailer is over 16' and is a "Camping trailer" (tent trailers exempted) it does not qualify.

The California definition of a trailer coach is:

A "trailer coach" is a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed for human habitation or human occupancy for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes,

Since my TM is not industrial, professional or commercial, then that rule ought not to apply.

My TM is for recreational purposes.

So I wonder what it actually means.