im reading this
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/commercial/cvra.htm

it says
This law affects:

Commercial motor vehicles with a declared gross vehicle weight (GVW) or combined gross vehicle weight (CGW) of 10,001 lbs. or more.

Declared gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight that equals the total unladen weight of the vehicle plus the heaviest load that will be transported on the vehicle.

All commercial motor vehicle owners/lessees must declare the gross operating weight when:

The vehicle is first registered.
The vehicle is purchased (new or used).
The operating weight changes.

Using only the GVW/CGW listed on your vehicle

The GVW/CGW listed is the manufacturer's maximum weight at which the vehicle can safely operate. You must still determine whether or not the vehicle will be operated at the maximum.

what it basically says is that you can declare the GVW!

Use of the declaration form if your vehicle will not be operated at a weight of 10,001 lbs. or more GVW or CGW.

You must complete, sign, and return the declaration form indicating your vehicle will not be operated at 10,001 lbs. or more GVW/CGW. Once DMV receives this information, your vehicle will continue to be assessed fees based on the unladen weight.

the way i read this, is that if your truck weights, say 6,000 pounds, then you can only carry 4,000 pounds. The Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) wont apply.

now reality is another thing entirely. i will let everybody know how it goes when i try and register my bigbolt at the dmv.