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firedude's avatar
firedude
Explorer
Jun 30, 2009

Traveling and Workamping in Calif.... DMV info...

I have received some PM's and emails with questions regarding this topic........

There has been many rumors on the "20 day rule" of being here in the state and being required to register your vehicle here and get a Ca. DL. Below are some facts. Questions regarding specifics should be directed at the DMV for accurate info and answers. This is to provide some information and dispel many rumors.

here is a link to the CHP site that refers to the 20 day rule. It is specifically designed for the purpose of those who live in Ca. and try and cheat the system by registering their vehicles out of state, not designed for travelers visiting the state. Example would be those (residents) trying to evade payments of registration fees and taxes. I believe however if you are in the state over 6 months then you are required to license the vehicle in Ca. I do know it is a requirement for hosting for state parks in that if you are here over 6 months you are required to register your vehicle in Ca. More on that below. I also believe there are waivers for this as well. See below.

In brief the 20 day rule....

** Vehicle registration fees are due immediately upon accepting employment or establishing residency in the State of California

It does not apply to those traveling and visiting the state or those who accept a volunteer position in that wages are NOT paid. Volunteer position's are NOT considered employment as long as you are not paid a wage. If you wish to accept a paid position in Ca. and have ANY questions simply call the Ca. DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and clarify your situation. Do not base your actions solely on information provided here in the forums.

This post is an informative post only with information provided for you to clarify your status through the proper channels. It is not open for political debate, bashing of Ca. or any other state and their laws. Such posts will be subject to removal. It does NOT address tax issues as that is another whole subject. For that information please contact an appropriate tax consultant. Please defer any questions and inquiries to the number provided above for further details and clarification of your specific situation and status.

Firedude
DianneOK
RV.net
Forum Moderators
  • I have taken job out of Texas to Louisiana and living in La. in my RV. Will I have the same issues as in California ?
  • You dont have to as long as you spend at least 6 months a year out of state. We have property in white mountains in nv lived in ca traveled back and forth didnt have any problems.
  • Don't be stupid...wages are a penny or more received for work in the state. The cost of doing business are higher here so the fees and taxes are higher. If you receive anything that is considered a "wage" in California, the long arm of the law can reach back many years to find you. Remember your phone calls, internet traffic, auto trips, etc. are recorded into hard drives and kept for who knows how long. There are no ways to avoid this rule and you are a fool to think there are any.
  • this is because Ca charges a outrages fee and tax rate to just reguster a car etc.
    so people were regerstering them in other states for the cost savings.

    there are was to deal with this and still be working within the law.

    .
  • Good info. We have stayed in Calif many times for 1 to 2 months and never had any problems.