California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 2510

(a)(1) A person applying for a license to operate ambulances or armored cars shall provide separate identification data and reports of inspection for each vehicle as prescribed by the commissioner.

(2) A person who operates ambulances owned or operated by a fire department of a federally recognized Indian tribe shall be exempt from the requirements set forth under paragraph (1) and this chapter.

(b)(1) A person shall not operate a privately owned emergency ambulance or armored car until the California Highway Patrol has determined that the vehicle is in compliance with this code and regulations adopted by the commissioner. Ambulances licensed by the department shall be inspected by the department not less often than once annually.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department shall not inspect ambulances owned or operated by a fire department of a federally recognized Indian tribe.