California legal term
motor vehicle in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “motor vehicle” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “motor vehicle” mean in California criminal law?
“motor vehicle” means any vehicle as defined in Section 415 of the Vehicle Code. (Cal. Penal Code § 190.2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.