Missing or Improperly Displayed License Plate
A CVC 5200 citation means a license plate the DMV issued for your vehicle was not attached where the law requires. When two plates are issued, one goes on the front and one on the rear; when only one is issued, it goes on the rear, except on a truck tractor (Vehicle Code 5200). Attaching the plates, then getting the correction certified, resolves this violation.
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation. Act before that date.
Fee After Correction
These steps apply when your ticket was issued as correctable. An officer does not issue it that way if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, the violation presents an immediate safety hazard, or you cannot promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)). When the court accepts your proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). There is no fee if the agency that cited you handles the correction and nothing is sent to the court (Vehicle Code 40611(c)). Without proof of correction, you may owe the full fine. Check your notice or ask your court for the amount.
Who Can Certify
Certification can be obtained from a police department, the CHP, a sheriff, a marshal or another agency that enforces the Vehicle Code once the plate or plates are properly mounted and displayed.
The court must dismiss a corrected violation when you deliver proof of correction on or before the date on your ticket (Vehicle Code 40522). After that date it may not accept the correction, and you may owe the full fine. If you fail to appear without good cause, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $100 after mailing you a warning notice (Penal Code 1214.1). Willfully failing to appear, or willfully failing to deliver proof of correction, is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 40508 and 40616). If you need more time, ask the court before the date passes.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Determine whether a plate is missing, broken, or simply not mounted correctly.
- 2
Obtain a replacement plate from the DMV if needed, or reattach and properly secure the existing plate.
- 3
Ensure the plate is mounted upright, clearly visible, and free from obstruction.
- 4
Have a law enforcement officer inspect and sign off on the correction.
- 5
Submit the signed citation and $25 fee to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- My vehicle only came with one plate. Is that a violation?
- It depends on how many plates the DMV issued. If it issued two, both must be attached, front and rear; if it issued one, it goes on the rear (Vehicle Code 5200). Check with the DMV how many plates were issued for your vehicle before going for sign-off.
- Can any police officer sign off on this, or does it have to be the same officer who issued the ticket?
- An officer from a police department, the CHP, a sheriff, a marshal or another agency that enforces the Vehicle Code can certify the correction (Vehicle Code 40616(c)). It does not need to be the officer who issued the citation.
This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
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