License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear
Not attaching both license plates to the vehicle they were issued for, one in the front and the other in the rear, when the DMV issued two.
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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.
What is a License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear ticket?
CVC 5200(a) says that when two license plates are issued by the DMV for use upon a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were issued, one in the front and the other in the rear.
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What the Law Says
(a) When two license plates are issued by the department for use upon a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were issued, one in the front and the other in the rear.
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1The DMV issued two license plates for use upon the vehicle
- 2The plates were not attached to that vehicle, one in the front and the other in the rear
Arguments Commonly Raised for License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear
General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.
One plate issued
CVC 5200(a) applies when two license plates are issued for the vehicle. If only one was issued, include the DMV record.
Plates attached
If both plates were attached, one in front and one in the rear, describe it and include photos.
Correction
If your notice is marked correctable and you present proof of correction, certified as Vehicle Code 40616 describes, by mail or in person on or before the date on your notice, the court shall dismiss the charge (Vehicle Code 40522). The clerk collects a $25 transaction fee unless the notice is processed only by the agency that issued it (Vehicle Code 40611).
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✗Not photographing both plates after you attach them
- ✗Not getting the correction certified and presented to the court by the date on your notice
What this code section covers (general information)
CVC 5200(a) — License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear. Not attaching both license plates to the vehicle they were issued for, one in the front and the other in the rear, when the DMV issued two.
This section is a correctable (fix-it) violation: if the officer marks your notice correctable, the court shall dismiss the charge when you present proof of correction on or before the date on your notice (Vehicle Code 40522). The officer does not mark it correctable on finding fraud or persistent neglect, an immediate safety hazard, or that you do not agree to, or cannot, promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)).
Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.
This is general information about CVC 5200(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear
Does every vehicle need a front plate?▼
CVC 5200(a) says that when two license plates are issued by the DMV for use upon a vehicle, one is attached in the front and the other in the rear.
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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.
How to Clear This Fix-It Ticket
CVC 5200(a) fix-it ticket: what to repair, who signs off and how to file the proof →How to Fight This Ticket
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