How is a vehicle defined as "commercial" in California?

A vehicle is defined as "commercial" in California when it is used primarily for transporting property or carrying a load for business purposes. This distinction is crucial because vehicles classified as commercial may have different registration requirements, insurance needs, and operational regulations compared to personal vehicles.

Commercial vehicles are designed to meet the needs of businesses, which often includes features such as enhanced durability or specific configurations to facilitate the transportation of goods. This classification ensures that the vehicles used in commerce are regulated appropriately to maintain safety standards and ensure compliance with transportation laws.

In contrast, other definitions that focus solely on registration status, personal use, or size do not capture the primary purpose of the vehicle, which is essential for determining its commercial classification. Thus, understanding the intended primary use of a vehicle is key to classifying it correctly as commercial in California.