Chapter 2General Provisions and Definitions

Section § 34710

Explanation

This section defines what a 'passenger vehicle' is and isn't. A passenger vehicle generally refers to most standard motor vehicles, except for those fitting into specific categories.

These exceptions include motorcycles, housecars (like RVs), specially constructed vehicles, four-wheel-drive vehicles, vehicles built on a truck frame, vehicles for hire, and rare vehicle models with fewer than 2,000 units made per year. It also excludes vehicles designed for off-road use.

As used in this division, “passenger vehicle” means any motor vehicle defined in Section 465, except any of the following motor vehicles:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(a) Motorcycles.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(b) Housecars.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(c) Specially constructed vehicles.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(d) Motor vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(e) Motor vehicles constructed on a truck chassis.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(f) Motor vehicles operated for hire, compensation, or profit.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(g) Makes of motor vehicles of a model year manufactured or sold in California in quantities of less than 2,000 units for each such model year.
(h)CA Vehicle Code § 34710(h) Motor vehicles designed and constructed by the manufacturer of such vehicles, for off-highway use, as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
passenger vehicle definition motorcycles exclusion housecars exclusion specially constructed vehicles four-wheel drive exclusion truck chassis vehicles for hire vehicles limited production models off-highway vehicles Department of Motor Vehicles determination model year production motor vehicle exceptions
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 635.)

Section § 34715

Explanation

If you want to sell or register a new passenger vehicle (unless it was made before September 1, 1973) in California after that date, the car must have a manufacturer's warranty stating it has an energy-absorption system. This system needs to meet standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

No new passenger vehicle, except a passenger vehicle certified by its manufacturer as having been manufactured prior to September 1, 1973, shall be sold or registered on and after September 1, 1973, unless it has a manufacturer’s warranty that it is equipped with an appropriate energy-absorption system that meets the requirement for energy absorption systems set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
new passenger vehicle manufacturer's warranty energy-absorption system National Highway Traffic Safety Administration vehicle equipment standards vehicle safety requirements registration requirements energy absorption standards post-1973 vehicles vehicle manufacture date NHTSA guidelines car safety systems vehicle sale restrictions safety certification vehicle compliance
(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 880.)