In California, having a rear license plate alone is not sufficient for passenger vehicles to be street-legal. All cars, trucks, and SUVs in the state must have both front and rear license plates. Driving without a front license plate can result in tickets and fines, not just in Orange County but throughout California. Here’s everything you need to know about the state’s front license plate requirements, including exceptions and pilot programs aimed at simplifying compliance, courtesy of Cartelligent.
California Front License Plate Requirements
California law mandates that all passenger vehicles must have both a front and rear license plate. These plates must be clearly visible, free from any obstructions that might obscure the state name, plate number, or registration, and securely fastened to prevent movement. However, there are exceptions for certain types of vehicles based on their size, use, and body type.
Exceptions to the California Front License Plate Rule
While most passenger vehicles in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles require both plates, some vehicles are issued only one license plate. Exceptions include:
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Special Equipment (SE)
- Tow Dollies
- Commercial Truck Tractors with a TR, DR, or DS Body Type
What If My Vehicle Doesn’t Have Space for a Front Plate?
Many vehicles are designed to accommodate both front and rear plates, as this is a requirement in most states. However, some models, particularly sports cars and custom vehicles, may lack space for a front plate or may have a design that could be compromised by adding one. Several solutions exist for this issue, such as magnetic mounts or manufacturer-recommended bumper solutions that can be installed by a trusted dealer’s service team.
Pilot programs are currently underway to develop custom front-bumper vinyl wraps as a low-impact solution for affixing a front license plate. Although still in development, these programs aim to offer a compliant and aesthetically pleasing option for vehicle owners.
Stay Informed with Cartelligent
For the latest updates on California license plate requirements, check out Cartelligent’s blog. Our team provides valuable information to help San Jose buyers and others across California stay informed about car buying, selling, and state regulations. From expert guidance to simplified service, Cartelligent is here to make your car-buying experience as smooth as possible.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
