If you’re living in California, you’ve likely noticed how much emphasis the state places on vehicle registration. Front license plates are mandatory for all vehicles registered in the state. However, there is a caveat to this rule. If your front license plate is not visible from the front of your vehicle, then you are allowed to have an obscured license plate. What this means is that your rear license plate cannot be visible from the rear of your car. That makes sense, right? After all, who wants to be easily identified by their car? This article will explain if and how you are required to have a front license plate in California so that you’re not surprised when a local asks you about yours.
Do You Need A Front License Plate In California?
Yes, California law requires vehicles registered in the state to display both a front and rear license plate*. Although some vehicles—such as motorcycles or trailers—are exempt from the regulation, most passenger cars and trucks must display two license plates.
Why Are Some Vehicles Registered Without A Front License Plate?
- Some states require a front and rear license plate on vehicles, while others only mandate one. In the states where only one license plate is required by law, it’s usually the rear of the vehicle that must have it. This means some vehicles may be registered without a front license plate.
- In many cases, this is due to the design of the vehicle. Many sport and luxury cars have a grill or front bumper that wouldn’t work well with an additional plate added to it. For this reason, some manufacturers do not include a spot for one of these vehicles.
- In other cases, the state simply doesn’t require both plates due to costs associated with production, distribution, and enforcement. Some states that don’t require a front plate may issue one upon request.
- Regardless of whether a vehicle is registered with or without a front license plate, drivers should be aware that some law enforcement agencies still use them as part of their traffic stops. Drivers should follow the laws in their state and make sure their license plates are visible at all times.
- Lastly, some states allow drivers to get a specialty or personalized license plate which may require both front and rear plates. Drivers should check with their local DMV to find out what type of license plate they qualify for.
- To summarize, some vehicles may be registered without a front license plate due to the design of the vehicle or their state’s laws. However, drivers should still follow the laws in their state regarding license plates and make sure they are visible at all times. Additionally, some specialty or personalized plates may require both front and rear plates, so drivers should check with their local DMV to determine what type of license plate they qualify for.
- While not all vehicles registered without a front license plate are required to have one by law, it is important that drivers know the laws in their state and follow them accordingly. By following the proper rules and regulations, drivers can ensure a safe and smooth experience when it comes to their license plates.
How To Opt Out Of A Front License Plate In California
1.Check If You Have To Replace Your Old Front License Plate
The first thing you need to check is whether you need to replace your old front license plate. If your license plate is more than 10 years old, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. This is the case if your current plate is faded or damaged. If your license plate is more than 10 years old, you’ll need to replace it. This is the case if your current plate is faded or damaged. For example, if you drive a brand-new car with a new license plate, but your old plate is faded or damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
2. Register Your Vehicle
The next thing you need to do is register your vehicle. To legally drive in California, you’ll need to have your vehicle registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can register your vehicle online, by mail, or at a DMV office. Registering your vehicle allows you to get your license plate and vehicle insurance, so you can drive legally. Registering your vehicle is easy and can be done in person or online. Before you visit the DMV or complete your registration, be sure that your car meets all of the vehicle registration requirements, like having the proper plates, insurance, and a California license plate.
3. Request A New Front License Plate Online
If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to request a new California license plate is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to request a new California license plate is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history
4. Request A New Front License Plate By Mail Or In Person
The easiest way to order new front license plates is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to request a new California license plate is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history
5. Keep Trying For A Vanity Plate
If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to order new California license plates is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to order new California license plates is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history
6. Report An Unregistered Vehicle To The Dmv
If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to order new California license plates is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history If you need to replace your old front license plate, you can register your vehicle and request a new front license plate online. The easiest way to order new California license plates is to use our online registration system. When you use our online registration system, you’ll automatically: – Choose if you have a new or used car – Select your new license plate number – Enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model – Receive your registration card and registration stickers – Have the system update your vehicle’s registration history
7. Test Your Opt-Out Knowledge With The Quiz Below
To test your knowledge, consider which of these 14 facts might apply to you. Start with the one that seems most applicable to you. Then, if you think you’re right, mark the corresponding letter on the chart below. Now that you know your result, you’re ready to take our opt-out quiz below.
Bottom Line
While front license plates are mandatory in California, you may opt out of having a plate and can have an obscured plate instead. Additionally, if your vehicle is not in visible condition when it leaves the state, you can have an obscured plate instead of a front plate. All of this means that front license plates are required, but they do not have to be visible.
