Operating a vehicle at night without a white light that clearly illuminates the rear license plate.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
CVC 24601 requires a white light illuminating the rear license plate, making it visible from 50 feet. A burned-out license plate light is a correctable fix-it ticket — often just a $5 bulb replacement.
No DMV points, ~$25 base fine, correctable. One of the cheapest and easiest fix-it tickets to resolve.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
License plate not illuminated at night.
Replace plate light bulb, sign-off at police station, pay $25 court fee.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
License plate light was on
CVC 24601 requires a white light illuminating the rear license plate. Challenge whether the officer's nighttime observation was accurate.
Correctable violation
Replace the license plate light bulb and get a Certificate of Correction.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
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Yes, provided it emits white light and illuminates the plate to be readable from 50 feet.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
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