You can own an armored vehicle in California, but it requires a permit. I just learned that this year. Don't know what is involved in obtaining the permit, but just know you have to have a permit to own an armored vehicle. Now.......I don't know what their exact deffinition of "armored" is. Seems to me, that it should be absolutely none of their business if it is something I created myself.
Sounds like a cool project. That would ad a LOT of weight very quickly, and the thing will be even slower, but it would take one heck of a bullet to go through two 3/8" plates and phone books!
V C Section 21713 Armored Cars
Armored Cars
21713. No person shall operate on any highway any privately owned armored car unless a license to operate such car has first been obtained from the commissioner in accordance with Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 2500) of Division 2.
Violation of this section is a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not to exceed six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Amended Ch. 1092, Stats. 1983. Effective September 26, 1983. Operative January 1, 1984.
V C Section 2510 License for Ambulance or Armored Car
License for Ambulance or Armored Car
2510. (a) 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.
(b) No person shall 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.
Amended Ch. 955, Stats. 1984. Effective January 1, 1985.