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Covered license plates. Why are they illegal? People steal the registration sticker.
Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for your question.
First, let’s discuss the laws pertaining to license plates in the California Vehicle Code:
CVC §5201.1: This section prohibits the use of any covering that obstructs the visibility or recognition of a license plate. The law covers various materials, such as glass, plastic, or any other substance that alters the appearance or impedes the readability of a plate, including its reflective qualities.
CVC §5201: This section requires that all license plates must be securely mounted in a position that is clearly visible and legible at all times. If a cover obstructs or alters the ability to see the numbers, letters, or registration stickers on the plate, it would violate this section as well.
CVC §5204(a): This law mandates that the vehicle’s current registration sticker must be displayed in a designated position on the rear license plate. Any covering that makes it difficult to verify the sticker’s authenticity or validity, including transparent coverings that might distort visibility, is illegal.
Don’t forget, in California, you must have both a front and rear license plate affixed to your vehicle.
The purpose of these laws is to promote public safety and enhance the ability of the police to identify vehicles. Covered or obscured license plates make it difficult for law enforcement officers to quickly identify vehicles, especially during traffic stops, investigations, or emergencies. Furthermore, automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems are used by police departments and parking enforcement to identify vehicles in real time. These systems require unobstructed views of license plates, and any distortion caused by a cover can render the technology ineffective.
While I appreciate your concern over sticker theft, we do not see it occur all that often. Although it occasionally happens, covering the entire plate is not a lawful solution, as it creates additional public safety issues.
Instead, consider slicing your sticker with a razor plane to make it more difficult to steal in one piece. In the unlikely event that your sticker does get stolen, please report it right away to the police. Our non-emergency number is (562) 594-7232.
Keep your questions coming Seal Beach! Email us at askacop@sealbeachca.gov today.
