How long can you drive without license plate in CA?

[jasonsw]

Hello guys! I've had my Genesis for about a month now.

How long does this temporary registration from the Dealer lasts? You know, that paper thing stuck by the passenger-side windshield?

By driving around without the license, it still feels as if I just bought the car recently. I want to be able to prolong this feeling of NEW vehicle. So what is the maximum time? 1 month? 45 days?

Also, once I get the plate, DO I HAVE TO INSTALL FRONT PLATE in state of CA? Or can i have it on sun visor (vanity mirror visor) and have it down when i have to?

I would HATE to drill a hole on this beautiful front bumper on my own...

 

[PINGGOLF]

I wish I could answer that for you!

I am going to move this thread to the owners lounge.

Have a great day!

 

[Wordman]

Hi Jason

Unfortunately, according to the CA DMV, yes, you do have to install the front plate. See http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d03/vc5200.htm.

However, I drove my previous car around for nine years without a front plate (I kept it in the trunk) without ever being stopped. I have seen some cars without a front plate keep the plate on the dash, which seems dangerous to me in case of an accident.

Having listened to a young lad complain of being stopped by the police for not having a front plate, I firmly believe that in reality it's not a problem with the majority of police departments, county sheriffs or the CHP. If you're driving a car like a Genesis, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc., in a safe manner, then they'll probably leave you alone. If you're young,and driving a ricer like a total prat, the lack of a front plate will be a grand excuse to pull you over.

Unfortunately, my Genesis came with the front plate mounting, and associated holes, so I'm stuck with it. I saw one owner on this forum had plugged the holes, but his Genesis was black, and mine's white, so I don't think that will look so good.

 

[EscalonJon]

I have been going sans front license on my cars in Cali since the sixties, also with front side tint since tint became available in high-quality. In November, I was going through Fresno on the 99, doing about sixty-five with traffic flow, and the CHP picked me out of the crowd. He said he targeted people with no front plate and tint, and my 07 Tahoe qualified. It cost me a small bundle...I had the tint removed-and then replaced, but my front bumper is now drilled and sporting a front plate. Just as a comment, I have seen cars a year or two old with only Raiders plates or paper pates and no California numbered plates. I don't know how they get away with it...luck, I guess.

 

[jasonsw]

with only Raiders plates or paper pates and no California numbered plates. I don't know how they get away with it...luck, I guess.

I guess as long as the law enforcement officer can somehow 'associate' with the plate you can get away with it... (say a fan of Raiders.)

Good luck if that officer is NO fan of team / organization! I got pulled over at StanfUrd campus with Cal Berkeley license frame... Officer wanted to see if we were out vandalizing campus property before the "Big Game"



QUESTION
IS THERE ANY ADHESIVE that I can use to affix / attach the front plate without using the license holder and a drill? (for example, frame tack?)

 

[EscalonJon]

Some of the high quality double-sided foam tape are pretty strong, maybe that would work...

("Go, Pacific Tigers")

 

[Wordman]

("Go, Pacific Tigers")

Dude, fight on, Trojans!

 

[Mark_888]

Hello guys! I've had my Genesis for about a month now.

How long does this temporary registration from the Dealer lasts? You know, that paper thing stuck by the passenger-side windshield?

In my state the temporary tag is good for 30 days (expiration date is written on the temp tag by the dealer) and there is a 5 day grace period. The dealer has 30 days to file registration papers with the state so that you can get your plates.

If you check the website of your state motor vehicle department, you can probably find out what the exact laws are in your state are.