JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | March 13, 2025 | Personal Injury
For many car enthusiasts and luxury vehicle owners, aesthetics play a crucial role in vehicle selection. Brands like Tesla, Lexus, and Audi often design their cars without front license plate holders, maintaining a sleek and sophisticated appearance. Some owners even go as far as avoiding front plates to preserve the vehicle’s clean design. However, despite these preferences, California law requires most vehicles to display a front license plate.
While it may seem like a minor detail, failing to comply with this requirement can lead to fines and legal consequences. More importantly, front license plates serve a vital function in law enforcement, helping authorities quickly identify vehicles in various situations. Whether you’re driving a luxury sedan, a sports car, or a standard commuter vehicle, understanding and following California’s license plate laws is essential to staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary penalties.
California License Plate Laws
California Vehicle Code 5200 outlines the requirements for license plate placement. When a vehicle is issued two license plates, one must be affixed to the front and the other to the rear. If only a single plate is issued, it must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, Section 4850.5 establishes specific license plate display regulations for tractor-trailers.
Why Police Need to See Your License Plates
The reason we must display license plates in California is so that the police can easily identify our vehicles. Police rely on correctly mounted license plates to ensure that:
- Your registration is in good standing
- To see if there has been an arrest warrant or “BOLO” (Be On the Look Out) issued for the driver
- To ensure the vehicle hasn’t been reported stolen
- To easily identify cars in pursuit or upon observing criminal conduct
In California, police rely on automatic license plate recognition systems to scan license plates so they are not distracted while driving. These recognition systems use cameras to read license plates. If the plates are not properly mounted, such as sitting in a windshield, the plate scanners may not be able to detect them.
When California Only Issues One License Plate
In California, most vehicles are required to display both front and rear license plates. However, certain vehicle types—such as motorcycles, specific commercial truck tractors, trailers, and tow dollies—are issued only a single rear license plate. If a vehicle that typically requires two plates is mistakenly issued only one, the owner should contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) promptly to resolve the issue.
Penalties for Missing a Front License Plate
Not displaying a front license plate is a misdemeanor in California. If you receive a ticket for this offense, you can be fined $250-$1,000 and even incarcerated for up to six months. If it’s your first offense, you might expect to just pay a fine on the lower end of this spectrum. If this is a law you’ve broken numerous other times, you may expect to face the maximum penalty.
Installing a Front License Plate Holder
If you own a car with no license plate holder on the front bumper, you can purchase one online and easily install it just by turning a few screws. License plate holders are made by third parties and by car manufacturers themselves. Regardless of which one you choose, these items are easy to install in just a few minutes.
Have California Driving Law Questions?
While some vehicle owners may prefer the look of a car without a front license plate, compliance with California law is essential to avoid fines and other legal consequences. The front plate plays a critical role in law enforcement efforts, helping police identify vehicles in real-time. If your car was not originally equipped with a front license plate holder, installing one is a simple and effective way to ensure compliance.
For any concerns regarding California’s vehicle laws or potential legal issues, consulting a knowledgeable attorney can provide clarity and guidance. Staying informed and following state regulations will help you avoid unnecessary penalties and keep your vehicle legally registered on the road.
Contact the Encino Personal Injury Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
