Per DMV handout:
DISMANTLER DEFINED Section 220 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) defines an automobile dismantler as any person who:
(a) Is engaged in the business of buying, selling, or dealing in vehicles of a type required to be registered under this code, including nonrepairable vehicles, for the purpose of dismantling the vehicles, who buys or sells the integral parts and component materials thereof, in whole or in part, or deals in used motor vehicle parts. This section does not apply to the occasional and incidental dismantling of vehicles by dealers who have secured dealers plates from the department for the current year whose principal business is buying and selling new and used vehicles, or by owners who desire to dismantle not more than three personal vehicles within any 12-month period.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a), keeps or maintains on real property owned by him, or under his possession or control, two or more unregistered motor vehicles no longer intended for, or in condition for, legal use on the highways, whether for the purpose of resale of used parts, for the purpose of reclaiming for use some or all of the materials, whether metal, glass, fabric, or otherwise, or to dispose of them, or for any other purpose.
Having one car in your backyard that you are parting out doesn't seam to apply?
Alan