Here is a quote from California:
California Salvage Certificate (Replacing the Vehicle Title)
In the state of California, a vehicle is deemed a total loss by an insurance company if repairing the vehicle or rebuilding the vehicle is greater than its value. This will result in the issuance of a California salvage Certificate for the vehicle. It becomes a salvage vehicle and can't be driven on the highways or have a valid license plate. If the vehicle is restored, it has to be inspected before a rebuilt title will be issued. A rebuilt vehicle with a CA salvage rebuilt title can be driven on the highways.
