Specially Constructed Vehicle. A vehicle that is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. These vehicles may be built from a kit, new or used parts, a combination of new and used parts, or a vehicle reported for dismantling (junked) that, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle that was dismantled.
Street Rod Vehicle. A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured in, or prior to, 1948 that is individually modified in its body style or design, including through the use of nonoriginal or reproduction components, and may include additional modifications to other components, including, but not limited to, the engine, drivetrain, suspension, and brakes in a manner that does not adversely affect its safe performance as a motor vehicle or render it unlawful for highway use.
Remanufactured Vehicle. A vehicle constructed by a licensed remanufacturer that consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including but not limited to the frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension. An existing vehicle which is incidentally repaired, restored, or modified by replacing or adding parts or accessories is not a remanufactured vehicle. Remanufactured vehicles may be sold under a distinctive trade name.
Horseless Carriage. A motor vehicle with an engine of 16 or more cylinders manufactured prior to 1965 and any motor vehicle manufactured in the year 1922 and prior thereto. The special identification plates assigned to these vehicles shall run in a separate numerical series, commencing with "Horseless Carriage No. 1".
Historical Vehicle. A vehicle which was manufactured after 1922, is at least 25 years old, and is of historic interest. The special identification plates assigned to these vehicles shall run in a separate numerical series, commencing with "Historical Vehicle No. 1".
Essential parts. All integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type required to be registered under this code, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance.
Bonded Title. A motor vehicle bond is required when proof of ownership cannot be obtained for parts valued a $5,000 or more.
Vehicle Verification. A vehicle verification by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) must be obtained before the California DMV can title and register a specially constructed vehicle, however, the application process must be started at the DMV before the CHP will do a vehicle verification.
Statement of Construction. A form required by the DMV for titling and registration of a specially constructed, home-made, or kit vehicle which is used to provide information on the major component parts used in these vehicles. Proof of ownership, including invoices, receipts, manufacturers’ certificates of origin, bills of sale, or junk receipts for the major component parts (engine, frame, transmission, and body) used in the construction of the vehicle must also be presented to the DMV.
Official brake and light adjustment certification. A certificate issued by an official brake and light station certifying that a specially constructed, home-made, or kit vehicle has brakes and lights that are in proper working order. When an official brake and light station is not located within a reasonable distance, DMV will accept a Statement of Facts form from a repair shop attesting that the brakes and lights are in proper working order.
SPCNS Certificates of Sequence. Specially constructed, home-made, and kit vehicles must undergo an emissions process at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) referee station before they can be titled and registered. A SPCNS certificate of sequence identifies a vehicle as one for which the owner may choose the emission control inspection to be based on the model-year of the vehicle’s engine or the model-year of that the vehicle’s body most closely resembles. The certificate is issued by DMV Headquarters and is mailed 7-10 working days after the application is accepted by the local DMV at which the application is submitted. The certificate must be presented to the BAR Referee Station at the time of inspection. Only 500 certificates are issued per year. Once the yearly allotment has been issued, vehicles will be assigned a year model matching the calendar year in which the application is submitted or applicants must wait until the following year to apply for a certificate.