Health and Safety Code section 39038

“Model year” means the manufacturer’s annual production period which includes January 1 of a calendar year or, if the manufacturer has no annual production period, the calendar year.
In the case of any vehicle manufactured in two or more stages, the time of manufacture shall be the date of completion of the chassis.

Source: Section 39038, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=39038.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1975; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 39038's source at ca​.gov