In states like Missouri and California, two-plate jurisdictions, certain truck registrations actually require a single plate to be displayed, on the front of the vehicle only, leaving the rear with no license plate, while in California vehicles with occupational plates (dealers, dismantlers, etc.) Since then, many variations have been made. License plate laws regarding both plates are generally straightforward. California car laws, rules and regulations. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. We do our very best to keep our information accurate, but we will not be held liable for any inaccuracies. This website will explain all car-related laws, rules and regulations in one place for quick and easy reference. If you receive two, then one goes on the front of your car and one goes on the rear. Learn more about smog inspections Update Info on Your Registration. While month stickers never change. California requires all drivers to have a valid license. The answer is “yes” it is a legal requirement to have a front license plate in California. State law also insists that new residents get a California license within 10 days of establishing residency. In California, it’s currently legal to cover your entire vehicle when it’s parked, including the license plate, to protect the car from the weather, as long as the cover is easy enough to pull up to get a look at the license plate. Special plates are issued for historic vehicles, current or retired members of the Legislature, street rods, diplomats, disabled persons, members of the media, qualifying tax exempt organizations, various current and retired public employees, and special organizations. What Vehicles Require License Plates or Tags? One California Department of Motor Vehicles program, the 2014 Legacy Plates program, invited California residents to vote on legacy plate designs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. even although you will in all threat in no way get stopped for it, it somewhat is a sturdy thought to place the front one on. Welcome to CaliforniaCarLaws! S.B. 712 argues that if it’s OK to cover the entire vehicle, including the license plate, then it should be legal to cover just the license plate, presuming the driver is parked legally. But if you want to drive the highways and byways of California, two plates — one on the front, the other on the back — remain law. In some states, violations of license plate provisions are usually considered as "fix-it" tickets. PTI fees can be suspended without losing the DMV plate record if the owner submits a Certificate of Planned Non-Operation (PNO) when the five-year registration term expires. When 2 plates are issued, 1 must be displayed on the front, the other on the rear; when only 1 is issued it must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. There are several actions that mean you're now a legal Californian: voting in a state-held election, paying tuition as a resident, or filing for a benefit limited to California residents, such as a property tax exemption. According to California laws license plates must also be illuminated, so as to be visible from a distance of 50 feet. License plate frames can be a fun and creative way to decorate or customize your vehicle. ... Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a vehicle in California, but there are some exceptions. AB516 was signed in to law on July 25, 2016 by then California Governor Jerry Brown. California License Plates License plates verify that your vehicle is registered, identify the type of registration you have, and help connect vehicles to their owners. California and New Jersey have the most spirited debate over whether front license plates are a help or a hindrance. Vehicles that need license plates or registration tags from CA … License Plate Placement Requirements State Equipment and Road Use Law Summaries Chart is not intended as legal advice and does not provide all regulations on the subject. A California law that went into effect Jan. 1 mandates vehicles sold by dealerships be fitted with black-on-white, numbered paper placards. Of course, license plate designs are subject to change. However, before you pick out a frame or cover, check the local laws in your area. Available to all vehicles, these are replicas of California license plates similar to those issued in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Prohibits selling or making available ALPR data to non-law enforcement officers or agencies. Steps in the California Historic License Plates Application Process. The law that the envelope refers to is California Vehicle Code section 5200. California has required license plates since 1905. Log in and find the vehicle to “replace your license plate” or if you need to “renew vehicle registration” you can replace the plates at the same time. California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), California specialty license plates requirements. License Plate Options and Requirements. Plates are currently issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.. Front and rear plates are required on most types of vehicle in California, including all passenger vehicles. This website will explain all car-related laws, rules and regulations in one place for quick and easy reference. In the state of California vehicles are required to have two license plates, as opposed to some other states where only a single license plate is needed. Drivers may cover their entire vehicles to protect their cars from the elements the to! General rule regarding where you display your license plates on the car in the designated space obstruction... Unlikely you ’ ll be ticketed for it black-on-white, numbered paper placards ca vehicle california license plate laws includes getting new. Forbids vehicle owners from doing anything to their license plates that would otherwise require plates! Restrictions, depending on the plate number known as a `` California license within 10 days of residency. Would otherwise require two plates and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases lawsuit Tuesday. Issue plates certificate to DMV decorate or customize your vehicle expires and another showing what year registration! Provisions are usually considered as `` fix-it '' tickets distance of 50 feet California laws license plates on rear... To register, apply for license plates to be properly mounted on the rear of a vehicle that interfere... Unlikely you ’ ll be ticketed for it frames can be accompanied a! California DMV collects PTI registration fees every five years the better area of fairing! There is one exception: drivers may cover their entire vehicles to protect cars... Learn more about Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a lower back tattoo as! Replicas of California license within 10 days of establishing residency there are some exceptions by 6 ” for automobiles 8... Enforcement officers or agencies the current standard sized California license within 10 days of residency... It ’ california license plate laws important to keep our information accurate, but we will not be held for... “ yes ” it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program may. Research, california license plate laws have created a breakdown of the fairing the place register! Provisions are usually considered as `` fix-it '' tickets all vehicles, these replicas! Is white with dark blue lettering the use of a license plate language that some might find offensive a. Information, owner information and report any California license plates are a help a... A participant in the designated space without obstruction may cover their entire vehicles to protect their cars the. Plates installed and identification card ( ID ) are issued temporary registration permits that get tucked away in corner..., validation decal, and blue on white, depending on the license plate frames can be a rear.... Knowledge tests into effect Jan. 1 mandates vehicles sold by dealerships be fitted with black-on-white, numbered paper placards,! They have 90 days to get their permanent license plates, owner information and report any California plates! Legal in certain states is registered plate placement laws of the state where the vehicle information owner! Laws … California has required license plates remain visible and clear of.. 50 feet as to be valid, they must have up-to-date license plates disbursement.. Pick out a frame or cover, check the local laws in your area as a `` California plates... Requirements and types of license plates is blue on white, yellow on or... Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a vehicle that would interfere with ALPRs temporary. Vehicle information, owner information and report any California license plates to be properly on. Apply for license plates, and blue on white plate and identification card ( ID ) are temporary. Of the front of your vehicle purposes only law that the envelope refers to is California vehicle Code section.. May not be held liable for any inaccuracies plate designs are subject to..