The Unusual California Traffic Rule About Driving With Dirty License Plates
Californians know that license plates are required to drive around in the state. That’s a no-brainer. But does it matter what color it is or if it’s not cleaned regularly? The answer might not be what you expect. Or it might, but make sure you know exactly what California law says about keeping your plate visible and the rest of your vehicle clean, like your windshield or brake lights.
This blog will clarify why you need to avoid violating this law and what the consequences are if you find yourself getting a ticket for what your plate looks like. Read more and prevent something as minor as this from emptying your wallet because of a fine and court fees or raising your insurance premiums.
What Does the California Vehicle Code Say About License Plates?
For drivers, one of the most important sections in the California Vehicle Code is Section 5201, which outlines the requirements for license plates.
According to Section 5201, each motor vehicle registered in California must have two license plates – one at the front and one at the back. The plates must also be clearly visible and legible at all times. Additionally, the plates must be issued by the DMV and must contain the characters and numbers assigned to the vehicle by the DMV. Additionally, the plates must not be obscured, altered, or mutilated in any way.
Is it illegal to drive with dirty license plates?
And yes, police officers or highway law enforcement officers can write you a citation for violating this rule. Very dirty or mud-covered license plates will leave you with a ticket.
The CVC is also clear when it comes to mounting plates. The rear plate should be placed on motor vehicles between 12 and 60 inches from the ground, and the front plate must be no higher than 60 inches.
Exceptions to the California license plate rule
A highway patrol officer is not going to be citing tow trucks, tank vehicles, and garbage trucks for traffic violations of this rule as long as it’s clear that they’re registered and have license plates. These types of vehicles are typically commercial vehicles used for heavy work, so it’s understandable their plates will not be completely clean every day.
Another important exception to this law comes from VC 5201(b). It explicitly says that a vehicle shall not cover its plates; however, transparent covers are allowed as long as it does not obstruct the recognition of plates by a law enforcement officer or a toll road or toll bridge’s sensor.
Drivers with disabilities or who transport persons with disabilities are allowed to obstruct their rear plates if necessary for attaching wheelchair lifts or other specialized equipment. The California DMV gives special identification decals on the back of their vehicles with the plate number.
Will My Dirty Car Cause Me to Get Pulled Over?
Getting a ticket for a dirty car in California depends on what parts of your motor vehicle are, in fact, too dirty. The California Vehicle Code has strict rules for ensuring that critical parts and areas of your vehicle are all visible and functioning properly.
Your windshield must be clear of any cracks and dirt that might obstruct your view, especially during bad weather. The same goes for side mirrors, rearview mirrors, headlights, brake lights, and rear lights—they must always be bright and clean. The rest of your car doesn’t matter, but those three areas must be clean and clearly visible to law enforcement, and if they’re not, police officers are within their right to give you a ticket.
A Defense And Fines For An Obstructed License Plate
The fine for a traffic violation of California Vehicle Code 5201 can result in a fine of at least $196 without considering court fees, wasted time, and higher insurance premiums. If you don’t attend to your ticket, the consequences can be even more serious, like failure to appear in court and a suspension of your license.
One possible defense, for example, is that the plate was obstructed only temporarily while you were driving from one place to another, which is why it’s rare for police officers to write a ticket for this during bad weather. Nonetheless, don’t let this get out of hand, and contact experts like those at Ticket Snipers, who can defend you against any traffic violation.