Vehicle Code section 4002

When moved or operated under a permit issued by the department, registration is not required of:

(a)

A vehicle not previously registered while being moved or operated from a dealer’s, distributor’s, or manufacturer’s place of business to a place where essential parts of the vehicle are to be altered or supplied.

(b)

A vehicle while being moved from a place of storage to another place of storage.

(c)

A vehicle while being moved to or from a garage or repair shop for the purpose of repairs or alteration.

(d)

A vehicle while being moved or operated for the purpose of dismantling or wrecking the same and permanently removing it from the highways.

(e)

A vehicle, while being moved from one place to another for the purpose of inspection by the department, assignment of a vehicle identification number, inspection of pollution control devices, or weighing the vehicle.

(f)

A vehicle, the construction of which has not been completed, until such time as the construction thereof is completed and final weights and costs can be determined for registration purposes.

Source: Section 4002, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=4002.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1977; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 4002's source at ca​.gov