I want to keep the front license plate off my car in CA, Are there any exemptions i can exploit?

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Question

I want to keep the front license plate off my car in CA, Are there any exemptions i can exploit?

Anonymous May 18, 2009 Criminal Defense 3 views 3 answers

I was pulled over by chp and told to put my front license plate on. It had been off for seven years and in numerous encounters with officers who were not total a-holes and had never had a problem. The dealer even provided me with a fancy cover for the front bumper.I had heard if the vehicle was over a certian g.v.w. you could possibly work some kind of commercial exemption if you use it for buisness.

Jonathan Levy · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T10:27:05+00:00

Contact your local DMV office or call the main office in Sacramento and discuss the matter with them. Since the DMV issues you two plates, unless you fall under some exemption, you will be in violation.

Brian Andritch · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T10:27:05+00:00

A front plate is required in California and if you don't have one it gives a peace officer probable cause to pull you over. I can't even begin to count how many cases I've seen over the years where the initial contact was due to not front plate and then the person ends up getting charged with DUI, drug possession, or much worse. I know many vehicles look better without a front plate, but you need to realize a peace officer can pull you over at any time for it. Brian Andritch www.jeffhammerschmidt.com

Terry Alan WapnerDUI / DWI AttorneyFresno, CA · Answer 3 · 2026-06-15T10:27:05+00:00

The short answer is that haveing a front license plate is required in California. Most of the time, during daylight, the cops don't stop you. At night, watch out! This is, very often, the "excuse" they use to pull people over to see if they're DUI. I have not heard of any exemptions to this law. Terry A. Wapner www.duifresno.com

I want to keep the front license plate off my car in CA, Are there any exemptions i can exploit?

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