Are There Special Requirements for Selling a Self Built Converted Campervan?

Technically There Is No Special Requirement for Selling a Self Built Vehicle

... whether the vehicle was built from the ground up, known as a Special Construction Vehicle, or the vehicle was simply modified (body, engine, or powertrain). BUT, getting a special construction vehicle registered in California or transferring the title of a special construction vehicle (modified or self-built), depending on how great of a modification has been made, may very well cause an issue. The thing to consider is that the vehicle will need to undergo a smog inspection before the buyer is able to transfer the title over to him or herself. It is the sellers responsibility to perform the smog check. Depending on the modification(s) you've made this may or may not pose a problem. If the van's emissions system was tampered or modified, the vehicle will not pass the smog inspection. If you sell the van without a smog check, the buyer can always return the vehicle and request you return their money.

Secondly, should your modification(s) pose a safety risk, in terms of driveability or road worthiness, and the vehicle be stopped for any reason by law enforcement, an officer can always require you submit the vehicle to a safety inspection (brake and lamp inspection). If the vehicle does not pass a safety inspection, it will be deemed un-roadworthy. This to may cause complications for the new owner should they encounter this situation after the purchase, not to mention you may be legally liable should there be any loss.

The real question here is what exactly is your definition of self-built? How great are the modification(s) you've made? Do they effect engine emissions or the ability for the vehicle to be operated safely?

So in summary and as a general rule, given the fact we are allowed to buy and sell pretty much anything we wish as long as the item, product or service is not illegal, you have right to sell your self-built or special construction vehicle. Whether the vehicle can be operated on public roadways or obtain California registration will be determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

One other consideration that needs to be given is to that of the vehicle's dimensions... after modification, or having been "self-built" as you've described. Below we list the California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections related to vehicle width and safety devices.

GENERAL RULE

35100. (a) The total outside width of any vehicle or its load shall not exceed 102 inches.

MEASUREMENT

35100.1. (a) The metric equivalent of 102 inches is 2.6 meters.

(b) The width measurement of any vehicle with side walls shall be made from the outside wall of the two opposite sides of the vehicle.

CITIES & COUNTIES

35100. (c) A city or county may prohibit a width in excess of 96 inches upon highways under its jurisdiction.

35105. Any city organized under a freeholders' charter may permit a width in excess of these limits when used within the city.

DEVICES

35100. (b) Safety devices shall not be included in the calculation of width. (For more information on safety devices, see "SAFETY DEVICES" below.)

35103. (a) A recreational vehicle may exceed the maximum width if the excess width is from an appurtenance that does not exceed six inches beyond either sidewall. (b) An appurtenance is an integral part of a vehicle and includes awnings, grab handles, lighting equipment, cameras, and vents. An appurtenance may not be used as a load carrying device.

35109. Lights, mirrors, or devices which are required may extend beyond the permissible width no more than 10 inches on each side.

35110. Door handles, hinges, cable cinchers, chain binders, and holders for placards warning of hazardous materials may extend three inches on each side of the vehicle.

SAFETY DEVICES: According to The California Highway Patrol's Commercial Enforcement Manual "HPM" 82.6 Chapter 8, Revised March 2001, "Size and Weight, Section 1(b)(5):

(a) The maximum permitted width for the items listed in this section is 108 inches, however, they shall not exceed three inches beyond either side of the vehicle.

(b) Safety devices that are excluded from determination of vehicle width include the following: door handles, cable cinchers, chain binders, corner caps, rear and side door hinges and their protective hardware, rain gutters, side marker lamps, lift pads for 'piggyback' trailers, tarps and tarp hardware, tiedown assemblies on platform trailers, wall variations from true flat, weevil pins, and sockets on low bed trailers.

(c) The exemption granted in this section applies only to the listed items and does not include stake pockets, stakes, and other items of equipment.