The California vehicle code clearly states the rules for license plate regulations. You may find it interesting that any cover, frame, or device that makes reading license plates hard is not allowed. This rule is part of CA plate visibility laws, specially in Sections 5200-5206 of the California Vehicle Code.
These regulations make sure both the front and back license plates are easy to see and read. Selling or using products that hide license plate details is illegal. If caught, you could face a fine of up to $250 for each ticket. Even with these rules, you can still see illegal covers being sold on big websites like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart.
In California, police have noticed these covers being used for illegal reasons. This includes skipping tolls, avoiding fines, and not being seen by speed cameras. David Chiu from the City Attorney’s Office in San Francisco is fighting this issue. He’s sending warnings to these online stores. Some stores have already stopped selling these illegal covers to people living in California, just like New York City did.
The Purpose of License Plate Covers
Vehicle owners in California need to know why license plate covers are useful. These covers mainly protect your plates from bad weather and damage. They keep your plates looking new, preventing rust, fading, or physical harm.
But, while *license plate frames* and covers aim to protect, they can make the plate hard to read. In California, it’s illegal to use anything that makes a license plate hard to read. The state has strict laws to ensure plates are visible. Importantly, Assembly Bill 645 lets some cities use speed cameras to catch dangerous drivers.
San Francisco’s City Attorney, David Chiu, has warned major online stores like Amazon and eBay. He told them to stop selling covers that hide plate information. It’s important that covers don’t block any key details on the plate. This includes the plate number, the state it’s from, and registration tags, as required by California Vehicle Code § 5201.
To make it clear, here’s a comparison of different rules:
| Vehicle Type | Rear Plate Mounting Height | Front Plate Mounting Height |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Vehicles | Not less than 12 inches, not more than 60 inches | Not more than 60 inches |
| Tow Trucks, Tank Vehicles, Garbage Trucks | Between 12 inches and 90 inches | Not applicable |
| Dump Bed Motortrucks (with swing axle) | More than 12 inches, not more than 107 inches | Not applicable |
Summing up, *license plate cover uses* aim at *protecting license plates*. But, it’s key they don’t cover any vital info. Breaking this rule can result in fines. San Francisco’s police are fighting plate hiding due to more crimes like thefts from cars. Following the display and mounting laws helps avoid trouble. It also helps make new tools like speed cameras more effective by keeping plates clear.
Legal Implications of Using License Plate Covers
In California, the law is strict about license plate covers. They must not make the plate hard to read or recognize. If covers hide any part of the plate, that’s against the law. Breaking this rule can lead to big fines. It’s important for car owners to know these rules.
California’s police, like the Highway Patrol, watch for these violations closely. Using covers that are smoked or tinted could cost up to $250 in fines. They mainly do this to stop crimes like avoiding tolls or red-light cameras. This helps keep everyone safe and follows the law.
It’s not just California that has strong laws against plate covers. Other states do too:
| State | Penalty |
|---|---|
| California | Up to $250 fine |
| Tennessee | Up to 6 months jail, $500 fine (for purchasers); up to 11 months 29 days jail, $2,500 fine (for manufacturers or sellers) |
| Pennsylvania | $2,000 fine |
| New York | Summonses, revenue loss exceeding $40 million (Port Authority) |
| Florida | Typical $114 fine, possible criminal charges for severe violations |
In places like Pennsylvania, breaking these rules can cost $2,000. Tennessee even puts people in jail for it. They do this to keep car plates clear and easy to read.
In New York and New Jersey, they lost $40 million because of unclear plates in 2022. That year, they wrote 4,836 tickets for toll dodging. Most of these were because plates were not visible.
For deeper understanding, check out this helpful guide. It talks about tail light covers too. This guide can help you make sure your car follows the law.
Common Misconceptions About License Plate Covers
Many people think that if license plate covers are clear, they’re okay in California. But even if the plate number can be seen, it’s often still against the law. This belief is a big myth about license plate covers.
California law says no to any cover that makes it hard to see license plate numbers and tags, whether by eye or camera. Even clear covers can cause problems by reflecting light, making it hard to read the plate.
New York City also has rules against things that hide license plates, with big fines for shops that sell these covers. Although some stores still sell them, the law aims to keep license plates clear for easy identification.
Some drivers use tricks like curtains to hide their plates, causing issues like lost toll money, nearly $50 million, for the MTA. This shows how not following these laws can lead to big problems.
Stores selling plate covers must be careful too. Amazon even agreed to stop selling them in NYC to avoid trouble. This kind of rule could happen in California if people don’t follow the laws.
It’s important to know these rules well. Even a cover that seems okay can cause legal troubles. For advice on following the law, check out this informative guide.
Exceptions and Allowances for License Plate Covers
Knowing the exemptions to license plate cover rules in California helps you understand the law. Even though license plate covers are mostly not allowed, there are CA vehicle code exceptions. For example, section 5201(g)(1) explains when a cover is okay, like when cars are covered for weather protection while parked.
Vehicles with wheelchair lifts have exemptions too, as long as the license plate can get blocked temporarily. These vehicles must be marked clearly and show the right decals to use covers legally. This rule keeps people from misusing the exceptions, ensuring license plates are usually visible.
| Type of Placard | Validity | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Disabled Person (DP) | 2 Years (expires June 30 of odd-numbered years) | Application with Medical Provider’s Certification, no charge |
| Temporary DP | Up to 180 days | Application with Medical Provider’s Certification, fee required |
| Travel DP (CA Residents) | 30 days | Application, no charge |
| Travel DP (Non-residents) | Up to 90 days | Application with Medical Provider’s Certification, no charge |
| Wheelchair Lift Decal | Permanent | Application with Statement of Facts (REG 256), no charge |
Enforcement and Consequences for Violations
Enforcing license plate laws is very important for traffic law teams in California. They check cars closely with traffic stops and high-tech systems. This helps them quickly find anyone breaking the rules.
In California, cars usually need two plates: one in front and one in back. The back plate must be between 12 to 60 inches high. The front plate can be as high as 60 inches. Some vehicles, like tow trucks and garbage trucks, can have the back plate up to 90 inches high. Dump trucks with certain types of axles can have it between 12 and 107 inches.
California does not allow anything that covers license plates. If you break these rules, you could be fined $250. The state also works hard to stop the sale of illegal plate covers online.
The Sacramento Police scan about 25 million plates each year. But less than 0.1% are linked to crimes. Still, all the other scans, which is nearly 25 million, are shared with over 750 agencies across the country. This helps with bigger safety efforts.
| Police Department | Total Plate Scans | Plates Linked to Crime | Percentage Linked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | 25,000,000 | 25,000 | 0.1% |
| San Diego | 493,000 | 98 | 0.02% |
| Irvine | 217,000 | 40 | 0.02% |
The big effort to collect and share data on license plates shows how serious California’s traffic law enforcement is. It proves the state’s dedication to keeping us safe by enforcing rules and setting fines for blocked plates.
Alternatives to License Plate Covers
If you want to protect or style your license plates within California rules, there are safe choices. Using compliant license plate frames is a top pick. They let you add a personal touch without hiding any part of the license plate. This way, all the important info stays visible and clear.
There are also license plate shields or security covers that the California DMV approves. They must not hide any info on the plate. This mix lets you customize while following the rules. To avoid fines, choose frames that meet these standards. The California Vehicle Code has strict rules on plate visibility, and breaking them could cost you.
To dodge trouble with the law, know what’s legal for license plate covers. Your plate must be clear and readable at all times. This means no covers that block electronic scanners used by the police. Legal solutions protect your plate while keeping it visible, reducing the risk of fines. They make sure your car customization is both safe and lawful.
Choosing legal alternatives to plate covers lets you personalize and protect your ride legally. Proper customization shows off your style and keeps you within legal limits. It ensures your license plates are always easy to see, preventing any big fines and making your vehicle safer on the road.
