Not abiding by California license plate laws can lead to infractions punishable by fines and court fees.
Daniel Kim
Sacramento Bee file
Have you ever spotted a car in California without a front license plate?
Some U.S. states require registered vehicles to only sport license plates in the back, while others make drivers display license plates in two spots.
Can I get a ticket in California for failing to display two license plates? Do the same vehicle registration rules apply to out-of-state drivers?
Here’s what the law says:
What are California rules for displaying license plates?
A total of 21 states do not require vehicles to display front license plates, according to multistate car dealership Auto List.
California isn’t one of them.
Most vehicles registered in California, including cars, SUVs and pickup trucks, are issued two license plates, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual.
“License plates identify the type of registration … and provide a means of locating the vehicle owner through DMV files,” the state agency said.
Under California law, you’re required to display all the license plates the DMV gives you.
“When two license plates are issued by the department for use upon a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were issued, one in the front and the other in the rear,” California’s Vehicle Code says.
Drivers cannot have license plates on their dashboard, said Robles Babaee Injury Lawyers, a Santa Ana law firm.
When attaching license plates to your vehicle, the law firm said, you need to follow these rules:
Securely fasten the front license plate to the front of the vehicle.License plates need to be clearly visible and not obstructed.Tint covers and frames that block the plate numbers are not allowed.License plates need to be upright and easily visible.What if my car doesn’t have a front bumper?
Teslas and other cars without traditional front bumpers are not exempt from California law, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
California Vehicle Code requires all license plates — including temporary ones — to be securely attached, clearly visible, easy to read and in good condition.
Tesla offers a step-by-step guide to installing a front plate bracket using strong adhesive.
“Tesla does not recommend using a protective license plate frame for the front license plate, as it may obstruct the camera,” the car manufacturer said.
Audi, Lexus and other manufacturers offer similar guidelines.
Are there exceptions to the license plate rule?
Trailers, motorcycles, tow dollies and some commercial tractor-trailer trucks only need one license plate, the DMV said.
“When only one license plate is issued for use,” you’re usually required to attach it to the rear of the vehicle, state law says.
What are requirements for out-of-state drivers?
Drivers visiting California from other areas are generally allowed to follow the license plate rules of their home states.
The rules change if you drive in California regularly.
“Any vehicle based in California or primarily used on California highways must be registered in California, even if the vehicle is registered to a nonresident owner,” the DMV said.
If you’ve just moved to California or spend a lot of time in the Golden State, you may need to register your car in California, The Bee previously reported.
According to the DVM, you are considered a California resident if you live in California for six months or longer within a 12-month period.
You could also be considered a California resident if you work, attend school, rent or own a home here.
You must get a California driver’s license or identification card within 10 days of becoming a California resident, according to the DMV.
You have 20 days to register your car in California after becoming a state resident.
How long can I keep paper license plates on new cars?
When new cars are sold, paper license plates are often placed on the vehicle until permanent plates are issued.
The DMV said you can apply for a 90-day temporary operating permit while waiting for your new license plate and registration stickers.
Standard license plates take three weeks to be processed.
What are penalties for breaking state license plate law?
“It may seem like a minor detail, but failing to follow this rule can result in a ticket or even a traffic stop,” Robles Babaee Injury Lawyers said.
Under California’s Vehicle Code, any driver that breaks California’s rules about displaying license plates are guilty of an infraction punishable by a $197 fine and court costs, according to Southern California law firm Shouse California Law Group.
The law firm said that a license plate violation will not add points on your DMV record.
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Alexiah Syrai Olsen is a service journalism reporter for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and design from The New School in New York City.