Expired Tags / Plates / Vehicle Lighting Violations

CVC § 4000, 5204, 40225 - Infraction

• Maximum fine: $1000
• Maximum term: N/A
• Probation/parole at home eligible: Y
• Community service eligible: Y

Driving with expired registration tags, defective vehicle lighting, cannot be used as the basis for any enforcement action before the second month after the month of expiration of the vehicle’s registration. Persons pulled over for another moving violation, officers can cite your expired registration immediately, even in the first month. Vehicles must display clear front and rear state or country license plates or risk impoundment. Obscuring, altering, or using covers that interfere with visual or electronic plate reading is strictly illegal and subject to heavy fines for manufacture or distribution.