San Mateo, CA asked in Uncategorized for California

Q: What is the definition of "regular" use of a vehicle in the case of an out of state car being not registered for 20 days

I want to get Montana plates fory car so I can drive it to and from the track without a trailer because I don't have a trailer or a car that can toe it. If got it registered to Montana via an llc and only drove it occasionally to go to car events would it violate the clause of all vehicles furnished to a ca resident by a non ca resident for regular use must be registered in 20 days

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you’re a California resident and you drive a vehicle that’s registered out-of-state, it can be considered as being for "regular use" if it is used frequently within California. Even if you have Montana plates through an LLC and only use the car occasionally for car events, the law may still see this as regular use if you're driving it on public roads in California. California requires vehicles driven by residents to be registered within 20 days, regardless of whether it's a personal or LLC-owned car, especially if it’s driven regularly.

Occasional use, like driving to car events, could still be considered regular use by California DMV standards. The term "regular use" isn't just about daily driving; it includes any consistent use of a vehicle within the state. If you don’t register within 20 days and are pulled over, it could lead to fines or complications with law enforcement or the DMV.

To avoid any potential issues, it's important to check with the California DMV or a legal advisor to ensure you’re complying with the law.

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