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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 1Art. 1§ 12503 Nonresident Driver License Exemption

§ 12503 Nonresident Driver License Exemption

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12503 Nonresident Driver License Exemption

This law says people from other states or countries who don't need a driver's license where they live can drive their own car in California for up to 30 days without getting a California license.

Key Takeaways

  • •This only applies to people who don't need a license where they live.
  • •They can only drive their own car, not a rented or borrowed one.
  • •They can only drive for up to 30 days without a California license.

Example

A person from a small town in another country where no one needs a driver's license visits California for a vacation.

They can drive their own car in California for up to 30 days without getting a California driver's license.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12503 Nonresident Driver License Exemption

A nonresident over the age of 18 years whose home state or country does not require the licensing of drivers may operate a foreign vehicle owned by him for not to exceed 30 days without obtaining a license under this code. (Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1748.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

nonresidentlicensing of driversforeign vehicle30 days

Related Statutes

  • § 12502 Nonresident Driver License Exemptions
  • § 12500 Driver License Requirement
  • § 12501 Driver License Exemptions
  • § 12504 Nonresident Teen Driver Licensing
  • § 12505 Driver License Residency Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12503.
View Official Source