Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

Driver Education illustration

13.055 Forklift Trucks (VC §4013)

A forklift truck is exempt from registration if it is:

Designed primarily for loading and unloading and for stacking materials.
Operated or drawn upon a highway only for the purpose of transporting products or materials across a highway in the loading, unloading, or stacking process.
Not operated along a highway for a distance greater than one-quarter mile.

Registration required — A forklift truck operated along a highway for a distance greater than one-quarter mile is subject to registration as follows:

If the Vehicle Is Moved	Then
Laden	Commercial registration is required.
Unladen	Automobile registration is required. The vehicle is exempt from the weight fee (VC §9409). The application must include a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form from the owner stating the vehicle will not bemoved laden over the highways to receive the weight fee exemption.