Drivers in California are permitted to have ornamental license plate frames so long as they do not obscure the state name, registration markings, or plate number.The acceptance of particular frames or covers for license plates is governed by special laws in many states, but all of them are meant to keep your license plate out in the open at all times. The following are the basic rules of license plate frames in California:
To be clear, are license plate frames legal in California?
Yes, decorative license plate frames are permitted for California drivers. Just make sure your entire plate is visible.
What are the rules for license plate frames in California?
Drivers are not allowed to have any frames or coverings that “obstruct or impair the visibility of your license plate by a law enforcement officer or electronic toll-booth reading technology,” according to California Bill SB-712.This means that the state name, registration stickers, and all other elements of your license plate must be clearly visible. You should be okay as long as none of these items are covered by your frame.
What are the fines for license plate frames in California?
Say you break the state of California’s covering or plate frame regulations. If that happens, you risk receiving a very sizable $250 punishment for a first violation. If you commit the same offense again, it might be classified as a misdemeanor and go on your record. You might also be required to appear in court.
What about license plate covers?
Contrarily, plate covers are not permitted in California. Any plate cover, clear or not, is prohibited by the California Vehicle Code. This is done to make sure that your entire plate is visible and readable.
What are the types of California vanity license plates
California has a selection of unique charity and personalized license plate options. In California, charity and park plates stand for causes of public concern, and a portion of your expenses for these choices are contributed to carefully chosen NGOs and funds. Additionally offered are personalized license plates with unique phrases. There are also specific kids-themed plates available with a limited selection of unique character options.Also, there are special interest plates and special plates; special plates typically serve a practical purpose or acknowledge membership in a particular organization, such as special Purple Heart recipient plates.
What is the cost of vanity license plates in California?
Depending on the type of license plate you choose and the level of personalization you require, your costs will change. These charges for an initial application range from $0 to $103. The annual cost of renewal might reach $83. Some license plates, like the one for a disabled person parking placard, have inexpensive or no payments.Unless your design is rejected, fees are paid upfront when you apply and are not refundable.
What makes a rejected plate?
California provides a reporting procedure for those who spot an already-approved plate that appears unsuitable as well as the right to reject California vanity plates. The DMV works to stop the approval of these designs because the state is worried about license plates that are “poor taste” or objectionable in some other way. Your money will be returned to you if your plate is refused.The possibility of having your design rejected hasn’t deterred Californians from submitting a variety of humorous applications, of course. The DMV actually has a panel of individuals that assess plate applications and disapprove of insulting plates.Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about license plate frames and the law in California and how to defend yourself against any type of traffic ticket. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about any traffic infractions.