Farm Labor Vehicle Program

In response to a tragedy involving a farm labor vehicle (FLV), Assembly Bill 165 was enacted.  Section 322 of the California Vehicle Code External link  defines a FLV as any motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of nine or more farm workers, in addition to the driver.  FLVs are required by law to be inspected and certified annually to ensure their safe operation.

Unfortunately, some FLV operators do not comply with the safety requirements for these vehicles. This endangers the many people who depend on FLVs daily and the public in general.

Assembly Bill 1165 addressed farm labor vehicle safety and added several new laws pertaining to the operation of FLVs. The following are the significant changes.

​Farm Labor Vehicle Registration Will Not Be Issued or Renewed Without Inspection Certification

• Every FLV must be equipped with seatbelts for each passenger.

• The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will not certify an FLV without approved seatbelts installed.

• Each passenger in an FLV must wear a seatbelt when the FLV is operated on a highway.

​1 -800-TELL-CHP Now In Use To Report Farm Labor Vehicle Violations

The CHP has expanded the 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247) telephone number for use in support of the FLV program.  If you are aware of an FLV which is being operated without certification or in an unsafe condition, please call 1-800-TELL-CHP with the information.  If desired, you may remain anonymous.