California Code, Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 10758

The license fee imposed under this part is in lieu of all taxes according to value levied for state or local purposes on vehicles of a type subject to registration under the Vehicle Code whether or not the vehicles are registered under the Vehicle Code.

“Vehicle of a type subject to registration under the Vehicle Code,” as used in this section, includes, but is not limited to, (a) any motor vehicle in the inventory of vehicles held for sale by a manufacturer, remanufacturer, distributor, or dealer in the course of his or her business, (b) any unoccupied trailer coach in the inventory of trailer coaches held for sale by a manufacturer, remanufacturer, distributor, or dealer in the course of his or her business, or (c) any vehicle described in Section 5004 of the Vehicle Code, not used in a trade, profession, or business, whether or not the vehicle has been issued special identification plates.