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California CVRA decal question

tomve
Explorer
Explorer
This question is primarily for CA registered vehicle owners, and I’m not looking for the weight police to chime in on “what is the safe weight my truck can carry”.

Background information:
Recently purchased a 2013 F350 CC. With a GVWR of 11500lbs. Rating. Traded in a 2006 F350 CC w/ GVWR of 11400lbs.

This new truck puts me in a different (higher) GVW range (10,001-15000), which requires I place CVRA decals on my side doors. Didn’t have to place decals on the ’06 F350.

I see a lot of newer trucks/camper combos (2011-2013), specifically F350’s and F450, and I don’t see them with the CVRA decals on. The question is do most people in this category of trucks, just not place the decals on the doors and hope CHP doesn’t stop them? Or what? 2nd question….I know normally pick-up trucks do not need to stop at CHP weight stations, but with the CVRA decal on, does that change things?
'13 F350 CC SRW 4x4 PS SB
'04 Lance 820
42 REPLIES 42

iwon415
Explorer
Explorer
Never ask a dealer cwap about DMV. They are usually clueless.

Other posters are correct. It does not apply to private vehicles. There is a difference between the commercial plates Calif issues for trucks and commercial use of a vehicle.

tomve
Explorer
Explorer
To clarify, this truck is not a commercial (for hire) truck. It is a private individual’s vehicle. I hope this is where the error was made at the dealer when they did the registration paperwork. They are dealing with the issue. We'll see what they have to say.
'13 F350 CC SRW 4x4 PS SB
'04 Lance 820

K_Charles
Explorer
Explorer
On the DMV website it says they go by the declared weight not the GVWR so when you fill out the declaration put 11400 lb.


Part C of this form

RZAR66
Explorer
Explorer
I don't have a link, sorry. Best thing to do is call the DMV and confirm. All pickup trucks, even a Ford ranger are registered as commerical. I think its a way for CA to make more money. But it how you use the truck is what counts. The CVRA is more for the CHP than anything else. It makes it easier on them at the truck scales you see along the highway. You will also notice at the truck scales signs that say "No Pickups to enter scales".
2018 Ford F-350 DRW
2024 Northern Lite 10-2

tomve
Explorer
Explorer
RZAR66 wrote:
tad94564 wrote:
Bedlam wrote:
Link to CVRA:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch13/ch13_6.htm





Excluded Vehicles

The following vehicles are excluded from the CVRA:

Pickup trucks continue to be registered by the unladen weight and are assessed a weight fee regardless of the vehicle’s GVW.
The unladen weight of a pickup cannot exceed 8,000 lbs. and its gross vehicle weight rating must be less than 11,500 lbs.


Wait, does this mean if your pickup's GVW is over 11.5k, it is no longer considered a pickup? What does that do to DRW's?


Key word here is commercial. If you don't use your pick up commerically then none of this pertains to you.



RZAR66 -- I'm hoping you are correct. I'm being told differentlly from my Ford Dealer. Since all trucks in CA are registered as commerical vehicles. They are saying the 11500# GVWR is the reason. Is there some documentation/link you can provide me? Thanks
'13 F350 CC SRW 4x4 PS SB
'04 Lance 820

K_Charles
Explorer
Explorer
I bet the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) is for Commercial Vehicles

RZAR66
Explorer
Explorer
tad94564 wrote:
Bedlam wrote:
Link to CVRA:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch13/ch13_6.htm





Excluded Vehicles

The following vehicles are excluded from the CVRA:

Pickup trucks continue to be registered by the unladen weight and are assessed a weight fee regardless of the vehicle’s GVW.
The unladen weight of a pickup cannot exceed 8,000 lbs. and its gross vehicle weight rating must be less than 11,500 lbs.


Wait, does this mean if your pickup's GVW is over 11.5k, it is no longer considered a pickup? What does that do to DRW's?


Key word here is commercial. If you don't use your pick up commerically then none of this pertains to you.
2018 Ford F-350 DRW
2024 Northern Lite 10-2

tad94564
Explorer
Explorer
Bedlam wrote:
Link to CVRA:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch13/ch13_6.htm





Excluded Vehicles

The following vehicles are excluded from the CVRA:

Pickup trucks continue to be registered by the unladen weight and are assessed a weight fee regardless of the vehicle’s GVW.
The unladen weight of a pickup cannot exceed 8,000 lbs. and its gross vehicle weight rating must be less than 11,500 lbs.


Wait, does this mean if your pickup's GVW is over 11.5k, it is no longer considered a pickup? What does that do to DRW's?

RZAR66
Explorer
Explorer
Privately owned trucks that are not used for commercial purposes do n
ot require this sticker in CA.
2018 Ford F-350 DRW
2024 Northern Lite 10-2

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
Knock on wood... I haven't put the stickers on my Chevy C4500. It has a pickup bed looks like an oversized dually and is badged as a "Kodiak Pickup". I've had it since 2008 and haven't had an issue. I carry the stickers in the glove box just in case.

One guy told me putting "Private Not For Hire" decals help.

Bedlam
Moderator
Moderator
Link to CVRA:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch13/ch13_6.htm

Host Mammoth 11.5 on Ram 5500 HD

tomve
Explorer
Explorer
A CVRA decal indicates the Gross Vehicle Weight Range. Which here in California is the max weigth a vehicle is registered for. You see these decals on big rigs. They are about 3" x 3" and have a number in the center.

http://dmv.ca.gov/vr/cvra_decal.htm

This might be one decal you do not want on your truck.
'13 F350 CC SRW 4x4 PS SB
'04 Lance 820

3_tons
Explorer III
Explorer III
I live in Calif too but (after digesting SNAFU and FUBAR...) have no idea what a CVRA sticker is (??)...I too like decals, but must be a little acronym worn...Do you by chance have the full wording and where does one go to get these cool decals??