citation: VEH § 4155

text:
Registration under this code shall apply to any vehicle owned by the United States government, the state, or any city, county, or political subdivision of the state, except in the following particulars:

(a) A license plate issued for a vehicle while publicly owned need not display the year number for which it is issued, but shall display a distinguishing symbol or letter.

(b) The registration of the vehicle and the registration card issued therefor shall not be renewed annually but shall remain valid until the certificate of ownership is suspended, revoked, or canceled by the department or upon a transfer of any interest shown in the certificate of ownership. If ownership of the vehicle is transferred to any person, the vehicle shall be reregistered as a privately owned vehicle and the special license plates shall be surrendered to the department.

(c) An identification plate used for special construction, cemetery, or special mobile equipment need not display a distinguishing symbol or letter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1242.)

article: 2. Original Registration


kind: section

code: VEH

citation: VEH § 4156

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, and except as provided in subdivision (b), the department in its discretion may issue a temporary permit to operate a vehicle when a payment of fees has been accepted in an amount to be determined by, and paid to the department, by the owner or other person in lawful possession of the vehicle. The permit shall be subject to the terms and conditions, and shall be valid for the period of time, that the department shall deem appropriate under the circumstances.

(b) (1) The department shall not issue a temporary permit pursuant to subdivision (a) to operate a vehicle for which a certificate of compliance is required pursuant to Section 4000.3, and for which that certificate of compliance has not been issued, unless the department is presented with sufficient evidence, as determined by the department, that the vehicle has failed its most recent smog check inspection.

(2) Only one temporary permit may be issued pursuant to this subdivision to a vehicle owner in a two-year period.

(3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1) is valid for either 60 days after the expiration of the registration of the vehicle or 60 days after the date that vehicle is removed from nonoperation, whichever is applicable at the time that the temporary permit is issued.

(4) A temporary permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1) is subject to Section 9257.5.

(c) (1) The department may issue a temporary permit pursuant to subdivision (a) to operate a vehicle for which registration may be refused pursuant to Section 4000.15.

(2) Only one temporary permit may be issued pursuant to this subdivision for any vehicle, unless otherwise approved by the State Air Resources Board.

(3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1) is valid for either 90 days after the expiration of the registration of the vehicle or 90 days after the date that vehicle is removed from nonoperation, whichever is applicable at the time the temporary permit is issued.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 20, Sec. 21. (AB 115) Effective June 27, 2017.)

article: 2. Original Registration

path: 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE > 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title > 2. Original Registration


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the department in its discretion may issue a temporary permit to operate a vehicle when a payment of fees has been accepted in an amount to be determined by, and paid to, the department by the owner or other person in lawful possession of the vehicle, for a vehicle for which registration may be refused pursuant to Section 4000.17. The permit shall be subject to the terms and conditions that the department shall deem appropriate under the circumstances.

(b) The department shall not issue a temporary permit pursuant to subdivision (a) to operate a vehicle for which a certificate of compliance is required pursuant to Section 4000.17, and for which that certificate of compliance has not been issued, unless the department is presented with sufficient evidence, as determined by the department, that the vehicle has failed its most recent inspection pursuant to the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 44150) of Part 5 of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code).

(c) Only one temporary permit may be issued pursuant to this section for any vehicle, unless otherwise approved by the State Air Resources Board.

(d) A temporary permit issued pursuant to this section is valid for either 60 days after the expiration of the registration of the vehicle or 60 days after the date that vehicle is removed from nonoperation, whichever is applicable at the time the temporary permit is issued.

(e) (1) A fee of fifty dollars ($50) shall be paid for a temporary permit issued pursuant to this section.

(2) The fee authorized pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be adjusted annually based on the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations.

(3) After deducting its administrative costs, the department shall deposit fees collected pursuant to paragraph (1) in the Truck Emission Check (TEC) Fund created pursuant to Section 44154 of the Health and Safety Code, to be used for regulatory activities under the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 44150) of Part 5 of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 298, Sec. 4. (SB 210) Effective January 1, 2020.)

division: 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE

chapter: 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4157

text: In the absence of the regularly required supporting evidence of ownership upon application for registration or transfer of a vehicle, the department may accept an undertaking or bond which shall be conditioned to protect the department and all officers and employees thereof and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle, any person acquiring a lien or security interest thereon, or the successor in interest of such purchaser or person against any loss or damage on account of any defect in or undisclosed claim upon the right, title, and interest of the applicant or other person in and to the vehicle.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 819.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4158

text: In the event the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of ownership is surrendered to the department, the bond or undertaking shall be returned and surrendered at the end of three years or prior thereto.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 517, Sec. 387.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4159

text: Whenever any person after making application for the registration of a vehicle required to be registered under this code, or after obtaining registration either as owner or legal owner, moves or acquires a new address different from the address shown in the application or upon the certificate of ownership or registration card, such person shall, within 10 days thereafter, notify the department of his old and new address.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 552.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4160

text: Any registered owner of a vehicle who moves or acquires a new address different from the address shown upon the registration card issued for the vehicle shall within 10 days mark out the former address shown on the face of the card and with pen and ink write or type the new address on the face of the card immediately below the former address with the initials of the registered owner.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 964.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4161

text:
(a) Whenever a motor vehicle engine or motor is installed, except temporarily, in a motor vehicle which is identified on the ownership and registration certificates by motor or engine number or by both the motor and frame numbers and subject to registration under this code, the owner of the motor vehicle shall, within 10 days thereafter, give notice to the department upon a form furnished by it containing a description of the motor vehicle engine or motor installed, including any identifying number thereon and the date of the installation. The owner of the motor vehicle shall also submit to the department with the notice the certificate of ownership and registration card covering the motor vehicle in which the motor vehicle engine or motor is installed and evidence of ownership covering the new or used motor vehicle engine or motor installed and such other documents as may be required by the department.

(b) Upon receipt of motor vehicle engine or motor change notification and other required documents, the department shall assign a distinguishing vehicle identification number to motor vehicles, other than motorcycles or motor-driven cycles registered under a motor number or motor and frame numbers. When the distinguishing vehicle identification number is placed on the vehicle as authorized, the vehicle shall thereafter be identified by the distinguishing identification number assigned.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or any other provision of law, whenever an application is made to the department to register a replacement engine case for any motorcycle, the department shall request the Department of the California Highway Patrol to inspect the motorcycle to determine its proper identity. If the replacement engine case bears the same identifying numbers as the engine case being replaced, the original engine case shall be destroyed. A determination verifying proof of destruction shall be made by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 94, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4163

text: The owner of three or more motor vehicles is not required to notify the department or to pay the fee required under Section 9257 when motor vehicle engines or motors owned by him are installed in or transferred between the motor vehicles owned by him until the motor vehicle is sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of by him.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 58.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4166

text: The department may assign a distinguishing vehicle identification number to a motor vehicle whenever the motor or other identifying number thereon is removed, destroyed or obliterated, and any motor vehicle to which a distinguishing vehicle identification number is assigned as authorized herein shall be registered under the number so assigned when registration of the motor vehicle is required under this code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1970, Ch. 824.)

article: 2. Original Registration


citation: VEH § 4300

text: Upon application for registration of a vehicle previously registered outside this State, the application shall be certified by the applicant and shall state that the vehicle previously has been registered outside this State, the time and place of the last registration of such vehicle outside this State, the name and address of the governmental officer, agency, or authority making the registration, and such further information relative to its previous registration as may reasonably be required by the department, including the time and place of original registration, if known, and if different from the last foreign registration.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles

path: 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE > 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title > 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


text: An application for registration under this chapter of a vehicle previously registered outside of this state shall be accompanied by payment of the amount required to be paid under Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code with respect to the use of the vehicle by the applicant.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 144, Sec. 205.)

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4301

text: The applicant shall surrender to the department all unexpired license plates, seals, certificates, or other evidence of foreign registration as may be in his possession or under his control. The department may require a certification from the jurisdiction of last registry when the applicant fails to surrender the last issued unexpired license plates.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4302

text: Upon application made at the time of their surrender to the department and upon payment of a fee of one dollar ($1), the department shall return the unexpired license plates to the official in charge of the registration of motor vehicles in the state of issue of the license plates.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4303

text: If in the course of interstate operation of a vehicle registered in another state it is desirable to retain registration in such state, the applicant need not surrender the evidence of foreign registration, but shall deliver it to the department for purposes of inspection, and the department upon a proper showing shall register the vehicle in this State, but shall not issue a certificate of ownership for the vehicle.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4304

text: Upon application for registration of a vehicle previously registered outside this State, the department shall grant full faith and credit to the currently valid certificate of title describing the vehicle, the ownership thereof, and any liens thereon, issued by the state in which the vehicle was last registered, except that the laws of the state shall provide for the notation upon the certificate of title of any and all liens and encumbrances other than those dependent upon possession.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4305

text: In the absence of knowledge by the department that any certificate of title issued by another state is forged, fraudulent, or void, the acceptance thereof by the department shall be a sufficient determination of the genuineness and regularity of the certificate and of the truth of the recitals therein, and no liability shall be incurred by any officer or employee of the department by reason of so accepting a certificate of title.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4306

text: In the event a certificate of title issued by another state shows any lien or encumbrance upon the vehicle therein described, then the department upon registering the vehicle in this State and upon issuing a certificate of ownership shall include therein the name of the lienholder as legal owner unless documents submitted with the foreign certificate of title establish that the lien or encumbrance has been fully satisfied.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4307

text: In the event application is made in this state for registration of a vehicle and the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or the existence of foreign liens thereon, then the department may register the vehicle and issue a distinctive registration card and appropriate license plates but shall withhold issuance of a California certificate of ownership unless the applicant shall present documents sufficient to reasonably satisfy the department of the applicant’s ownership of the vehicle and sufficient to identify any liens thereon or the applicant shall post a bond pursuant to Section 4157.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 636, Sec. 2.)

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4308

text: In the event the department refuses to grant an application for registration in this State of a vehicle previously registered in another state, the department shall immediately return to the applicant all documents submitted by the applicant with the application.

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4309

text: The department shall forthwith mail a notice of the filing of any application for registration of a vehicle previously registered outside this state upon written request of the governmental officer, agency, or authority which made the last registration of the vehicle outside this state. The notice shall contain like data as required on the application filed with the department. This section shall not apply to applications to register commercial vehicles operating in interstate transportation nor to vehicles last registered in a foreign province or country.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 1141.)

article: 3. Registration of Foreign Vehicles


citation: VEH § 4450

text:
(a) The department upon registering a vehicle shall issue a certificate of ownership to the legal owner and a registration card to the owner, or both to the owner if there is no legal owner of the vehicle.

(b) The department may adopt regulations for the issuance and acceptance of a “certificate of title” or “certificate of ownership” in an electronic form.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 15. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration

path: 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE > 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title > 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) On or before January 1, 2012, the director shall develop an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) Program, in consultation with lienholders, licensed dealers, and other stakeholders, to require that all lienholders’ title information be held in an electronic format, if the department determines that the program is cost effective compared to the current paper title and registration system.

(b) The director may establish an auto loan business volume threshold below which a lienholder is not required to participate in the program developed pursuant to subdivision (a).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 540, Sec. 1. (AB 1515) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4451

text:
The certificate of ownership shall contain all of the following:

(a) Not less than the information required upon the face of the registration card.

(b) Provision for notice to the department of a transfer of the title or interest of the owner or legal owner.

(c) Provision for application for transfer of registration by the transferee.

(d) Provision for an odometer disclosure statement pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 32705 of Title 49 of the United States Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1035, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4452

text:
The department may issue a certificate of ownership to the legal owner of a vehicle without requiring registration, and may issue a facsimile copy of the certificate to the owner if there is no legal owner, the application is submitted in proper form, and one of the following conditions exist:

(a) The vehicle is registered pursuant to Section 5014.1.

(b) A certification has been filed with the department, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 4604, that the vehicle has not been driven, moved, or left standing upon any highway so as to require payment of fees and that the owner will not thereafter permit that operation or movement of the vehicle or leave the vehicle standing on any highway without surrendering, or arranging to surrender, the certificate of ownership to the department and without first making an application for the regular registration of the vehicle and full payment of all fees required to be paid under this code and Part 5 (commencing with Section 10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 826, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4453

text:
(a) The registration card shall contain upon its face, the date issued, the name and residence or business address or mailing address of the owner and of the legal owner, if any, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle as complete as that required in the application for registration of the vehicle.

(b) The following motor vehicles shall be identified as such on the face of the registration card whenever the department is able to ascertain that fact at the time application is made for initial registration or transfer of ownership of the vehicle:

(1) A motor vehicle rebuilt and restored to operation that was previously declared to be a total loss salvage vehicle because the cost of repairs exceeds the retail value of the vehicle.

(2) A motor vehicle rebuilt and restored to operation that was previously reported to be dismantled pursuant to Section 11520.

(3) A motor vehicle previously registered to a law enforcement agency and operated in law enforcement work.

(4) A motor vehicle formerly operated as a taxicab.

(5) A motor vehicle manufactured outside of the United States and not intended by the manufacturer for sale in the United States.

(6) A park trailer, as described in Section 18009.3 of the Health and Safety Code, that when moved upon the highway is required to be moved under a permit pursuant to Section 35780.

(7) A motor vehicle that has been reacquired under circumstances described in subdivision (c) of Section 1793.23 of the Civil Code, a vehicle with out-of-state titling documents reflecting a warranty return, or a vehicle that has been identified by an agency of another state as requiring a warranty return title notation, pursuant to the laws of that state. The notation made on the face of the registration and pursuant to this subdivision shall state “Lemon Law Buyback.”

(c) The director may modify the form, arrangement, and information appearing on the face of the registration card and may provide for standardization and abbreviation of fictitious or firm names on the registration card whenever the director finds that the efficiency of the department will be promoted by so doing.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 451, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text: In addition to the information required under Section 4453, the registration card of every farm labor vehicle shall contain the words, “Farm Labor Vehicle,” in conjunction with the vehicle identification information.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 557, Sec. 2. Effective September 29, 1999.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) In the case of leased vehicles, the lessor and the lessee shall be shown on the registration card as the owner and the lessee of a vehicle, and the department shall designate their relationships upon the card and the ownership certificate by the words “lessor” and “lessee” and, at the election of the lessor, the department may designate thereon either the address of the lessor or the lessee.

(b) Transfers of ownership involving vehicles registered as provided in subdivision (a) shall only be effected upon the signature release of the lessor.

(c) The lessor shall provide the address, or the name and address, of the lessee on a form prescribed by the department in all cases where the information is not on the registration card and ownership certificate. Information received under this subdivision shall be used only for law enforcement and shall be available only to law enforcement officials at their request.

(d) A lessor, upon written request of the lessee or, if designated in writing, the lessee’s designee, shall disclose any pertinent information regarding the amount of payment and the documents necessary to exercise any option held by the lessee to purchase the leased vehicle.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 151, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text: On request of any member of the California Highway Patrol, any regularly employed and salaried police officer or deputy sheriff, or any reserve police officer or reserve deputy sheriff listed in Section 830.6 of the Penal Code, or any employee or officer of the department specified in Section 1655, who is conducting an investigation of a public offense, the lessor of a vehicle shall furnish the name and address of the lessee of a vehicle if that information does not appear on the registration card.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 292, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4454

text:
(a) Every owner, upon receipt of a registration card, shall maintain the same or a facsimile copy thereof with the vehicle for which issued.

(b) This section does not apply when a registration card is necessarily removed from the vehicle for the purpose of application for renewal or transfer of registration, or when the vehicle is left unattended.

(c) Any violation of this section shall be cited in accordance with the provisions of Section 40610.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 106, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4455

text: Any permit issued under Section 4004 shall be carried in the vehicle for which issued at all times while it is being operated in this State.

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4456

text:
(a) When selling a vehicle, dealers and lessor-retailers shall report the sale using the reporting system described in Section 4456.2. After providing information to the reporting system, the dealer or lessor-retailer shall do all of the following:

(1) The dealer or lessor-retailer shall attach for display a copy of the report-of-sale form provided by the reporting system on the vehicle before the vehicle is delivered to the purchaser.

(2) The dealer or lessor-retailer shall submit to the department an application accompanied by all fees and penalties due for registration or transfer of registration of the vehicle within 30 days from the date of sale, as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 9553, if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and within 20 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle. Penalties due for noncompliance with this paragraph shall be paid by the dealer or lessor-retailer. The dealer or lessor-retailer shall not charge the purchaser for the penalties.

(3) (A) Pursuant to the regulations adopted by the department under subdivision (f) of Section 6295 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, for retail sales of vehicles occurring on and after January 1, 2021, the dealer shall also submit with the application payment of the applicable sales tax required by the Sales and Use Tax Law (Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code) and the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law (Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 7200) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code) and the applicable transactions and use taxes required by the Transactions and Use Tax Law (Part 1.6 (commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code) to the department within 30 days from the date of sale.

(B) The amendments to this section made by the act adding this subparagraph do not constitute a change in, but are declaratory of, existing law.

(C) For purposes of this paragraph, “dealer” shall not include a new motor vehicle dealer as defined by Section 426, a manufacturer or remanufacturer holding a license issued pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11700) of Division 5, an automobile dismantler holding a license and certificate issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 11500) of Division 5, or a lessor-retailer holding a license issued pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11600) of Division 5, and subject to the provisions of Section 11615.5.

(4) As part of an application to transfer registration of a used vehicle, the dealer or lessor-retailer shall include all of the following information on the certificate of title, application for a duplicate certificate of title, or form prescribed by the department:

(A) Date of sale and report-of-sale number.

(B) Purchaser’s name and address.

(C) Dealer’s name, address, number, and signature, or signature of authorized agent.

(D) Salesperson number.

(5) If the department returns an application and the application was first received by the department within 30 days of the date of sale of the vehicle if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and within 20 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle, the dealer or lessor-retailer shall submit a corrected application to the department within 50 days from the date of sale of the vehicle if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and within 40 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle, or within 30 days from the date that the application was first returned by the department if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and within 20 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle, whichever is later.

(6) If the department returns an application and the application was first received by the department more than 30 days from the date of sale of the vehicle if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and more than 20 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle, the dealer or lessor-retailer shall submit a corrected application to the department within 50 days from the date of sale of the vehicle if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and within 40 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle.

(7) An application first received by the department more than 50 days from the date of sale of the vehicle if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and more than 40 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle, is subject to the penalties specified in subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 4456.1.

(8) The dealer or lessor-retailer shall report the sale pursuant to Section 5901.

(9) If the vehicle does not display license plates previously issued by the department, the dealer or lessor-retailer shall attach the temporary license plates issued by the reporting system.

(b) (1) A transfer that takes place through a dealer conducting a wholesale vehicle auction shall be reported to the department electronically in a manner approved by the department. The report shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(A) The name and address of the seller.

(B) The seller’s dealer number, if applicable.

(C) The date of delivery to the dealer conducting the auction.

(D) The actual mileage of the vehicle as indicated by the vehicle’s odometer at the time of delivery to the dealer conducting the auction.

(E) The name, address, and occupational license number of the dealer conducting the auction.

(F) The name, address, and occupational license number of the buyer.

(G) The signature of the dealer conducting the auction.

(2) Submission of the electronic report specified in paragraph (1) to the department shall fully satisfy the requirements of subdivision (a) and subdivision (a) of Section 5901 with respect to the dealer selling at auction and the dealer conducting the auction.

(3) The electronic report required by this subdivision does not relieve a dealer of any obligation or responsibility that is required by any other law.

(c) A vehicle displaying a report-of-sale form or temporary license plate issued pursuant to paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) may be operated without license plates until either of the following, whichever occurs first:

(1) The license plates and registration card are received by the purchaser.

(2) A 90-day period, commencing with the date of sale of the vehicle, has expired.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), a vehicle may continue to display a report-of-sale form or temporary license plates after 90 days if the owner provides proof that the owner has submitted an application to the department pursuant to Section 4457 and it has been no more than 14 days since the permanent license plates were issued to the owner. A violation of this paragraph is a correctable offense pursuant to Section 40303.5.

(e) This section shall become operative January 1, 2019.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 256, Sec. 26. (AB 176) Effective September 23, 2021.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) A dealer or lessor-retailer who violates paragraph (1), (2), or (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 shall pay to the department an administrative service fee of five dollars ($5) for each violation.

(b) A dealer or lessor-retailer who violates paragraph (4), (5), or (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 shall pay to the department an administrative service fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) for each violation.

(c) Subject to subdivision (d), each violation of Section 4456 is, in addition to the obligation to pay an administrative service fee, a separate cause for discipline pursuant to Section 11613 or 11705.

(d) A violation of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 because of a dealer or lessor-retailer’s failure to submit to the department an application for registration or transfer of registration is a cause for disciplinary action pursuant to Section 11613 or 11705 only if the initial application is submitted 50 days or more following the date of sale of the vehicle if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and 40 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1155, Sec. 3.1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) The department shall develop a system for dealers and lessor-retailers to electronically report the sale of a vehicle before the vehicle is delivered to the purchaser. At minimum, the system shall conform to the following conditions:

(1) The system shall provide a licensed dealer with the forms for use as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 4456.

(2) For a vehicle that does not already display license plates, the system shall also produce a temporary license plate to be used and displayed in lieu of license plates, pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4456. The temporary license plate shall display the report-of-sale number, expiration date, and any other information deemed necessary by the department.

(3) The dealer reporting system shall assign each transaction a unique report-of-sale number that will be displayed on the report-of-sale forms and any temporary license plate.

(4) The system shall record the vehicle identification number, vehicle year, model and make, name of dealer or lessor-retailer, purchaser name and address, and any other information deemed necessary by the department.

(b) The department shall develop standards for temporary license plates produced pursuant to this section. The standards shall specify content, format, and physical attributes that are cost effective and reasonably necessary to create appropriately durable and legible temporary license plates, including the type and quality of paper, ink, and printer required to create the temporary license plates.

(c) Access to the dealer reporting system shall be restricted to authorized users of the department’s vehicle registration and occupational licensing databases.

(d) The department shall make the dealer reporting system operational for use no later than January 1, 2019.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 90, Sec. 4. (AB 516) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) The department shall charge a dealer or lessor-retailer a fee, as established by the director pursuant to subdivision (b), for each vehicle sold by a dealer or lessor-retailer and reported on a report-of-sale form issued by the department to a dealer or lessor-retailer, or for every vehicle sold by a dealer or lessor-retailer if that licensee does not use a report-of-sale form issued by the department because the report of the sale is given electronically or otherwise. The department shall collect the fee and the fees shall be paid to the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation as described in Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 12200) of Division 5. The department shall not charge more than a total of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in fees under this section to a dealer licensee within a calendar year.

(b) The director shall establish the fee at one dollar ($1) and shall collect the fee. The director shall deposit the fees received in the Motor Vehicle Account. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the revenues from the fees deposited in the Motor Vehicle Account, less an amount that the director determines is equal to the department’s costs related to collecting and processing the fees, is hereby continuously appropriated to the department for quarterly payment to the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation until the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation notifies the department that the balance in the recovery fund maintained by the corporation has reached five million dollars ($5,000,000). Within 90 days after being notified by the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation, the director shall cease collecting the fee. Thereafter, if the amount in the recovery fund maintained by the corporation is less than two million dollars ($2,000,000), the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation shall notify the department of the amount necessary to return the recovery fund balance to five million dollars ($5,000,000). Within 90 days of being notified, the director shall collect the fee and pay the fee revenue required by this subdivision until the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation notifies the director that the recovery fund has reached five million dollars ($5,000,000). Within 90 days of being notified, the director shall cease collecting the fee.

(c) (1) The Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation shall reimburse the department for all reasonable expenses incurred in implementing this section.

(2) The Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation shall reimburse the department for all reasonable startup expenses incurred by the department to comply with this section within 90 days after the department begins collecting the fees and transmitting them to the Corporation as provided in this section.

(d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2008.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 437, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008. Section operative July 1, 2008, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) A motor vehicle sold or leased by a new motor vehicle dealer shall be registered by the dealer using electronic programs provided by a qualified private industry partner pursuant to Section 1685 if the department permits the transaction to be processed electronically.

(b) This section does not apply to the sale or lease of a motorcycle or off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification under Section 38010 or a recreational vehicle as defined in Section 18010 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2012.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 329, Sec. 9. (AB 1215) Effective January 1, 2012. Section operative July 1, 2012, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) A dealer may charge the purchaser or lessee of a vehicle the following charges:

(1) A document processing charge for the preparation and processing of documents, disclosures, and titling, registration, and information security obligations imposed by state and federal law. The dealer document processing charge shall not be represented as a governmental fee.

(A) If a dealer has a contractual agreement with the department to be a private industry partner pursuant to Section 1685, the document processing charge shall not exceed eighty-five dollars ($85).

(B) If a dealer does not have a contractual agreement with the department to be a private industry partner pursuant to Section 1685, the document processing charge shall not exceed seventy dollars ($70).

(2) An electronic filing charge, not to exceed the actual amount the dealer is charged by a first-line service provider for providing license plate processing, postage, and the fees and services authorized pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (d) of Section 1685, including services related to reporting vehicle sales and producing temporary license plates pursuant to Sections 4456 and 4456.2. The electronic filing charge shall not be used to pay for additional fees, goods, or services not directly related to the electronic registration of a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, the receipt by the dealer of free or discounted goods, services, or financial incentives. The director may establish, through the adoption of regulations, the maximum amount that a first-line service provider may charge a dealer. The electronic filing charge shall not be represented as a governmental fee.

(b) As used in this section, the term “first-line service provider” shall have the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1685.

(c) This section does not prohibit a first-line service provider from entering into contracts with dealers for products and services unrelated to electronic vehicle registration services.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2019.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 5) and added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 90, Sec. 6. (AB 516) Effective January 1, 2017. Section operative January 1, 2019, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4457

text: If any registration card or license plate is stolen, lost, mutilated, or illegible, the owner of the vehicle for which the same was issued, as shown by the records of the department, shall immediately make application for and may, upon the applicant furnishing information satisfactory to the department, obtain a duplicate or a substitute or a new registration under a new registration number, as determined to be most advisable by the department. An application for a duplicate registration card is not required in conjunction with any other application.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1268, Sec. 1.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4458

text: If both license plates or a permanent trailer identification plate are lost or stolen, the registered owner shall immediately notify a law enforcement agency, and shall immediately apply to the department for new plates in lieu of the plates stolen or lost. The department shall in every proper case, except in the case of plates which are exempt from fees, cause to be issued applicable license plates of a different number and assign the registration number to the vehicle for which the plates are issued.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 826, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4459

text: If any certificate of ownership is stolen, lost, mutilated or illegible, the legal owner or, if none, then the owner of the vehicle for which the same was issued as shown by the records of the department shall immediately make application for and may, upon the applicant furnishing information satisfactory to the department, obtain a duplicate.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4460

text:
(a) The Department of Motor Vehicles, the Traffic Adjudication Board, and the Department of the California Highway Patrol, any regularly employed and salaried police officer or deputy sheriff or any reserve police officer or reserve deputy sheriff listed in Section 830.6 of the Penal Code may take possession of any certificate, card, placard, permit, license, or license plate issued under this code, upon expiration, revocation, cancellation, or suspension thereof or which is fictitious or which has been unlawfully or erroneously issued. Any license plate which is not attached to the vehicle for which issued, when and in the manner required under this code, may be seized, and attachment to the proper vehicle may be made or required.

(b) Any document, placard, or license plate seized shall be delivered to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 292, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4461

text:
(a) A person shall not lend a certificate of ownership, registration card, license plate, special plate, validation tab, or permit issued to him or her if the person desiring to borrow it would not be entitled to its use, and a person shall not knowingly permit its use by one not entitled to it.

(b) A person to whom a disabled person placard has been issued shall not lend the placard to another person, and a disabled person shall not knowingly permit the use for parking purposes of the placard or identification license plate issued pursuant to Section 5007 by one not entitled to it. A person to whom a disabled person placard has been issued may permit another person to use the placard only while in the presence or reasonable proximity of the disabled person for the purpose of transporting the disabled person. A violation of this subdivision is subject to the issuance of a notice of parking violation imposing a civil penalty of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), for which enforcement shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Article 3 (commencing with Section 40200) of Chapter 1 of Division 17 or is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

(c) Except for the purpose of transporting a disabled person as specified in subdivision (b), a person shall not display a disabled person placard that was not issued to him or her or that has been canceled or revoked pursuant to Section 22511.6. A violation of this subdivision is subject to the issuance of a notice of parking violation imposing a civil penalty of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), for which enforcement shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Article 3 (commencing with Section 40200) of Chapter 1 of Division 17 or is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), a person using a vehicle displaying a special identification license plate issued to another pursuant to Section 5007 shall not park in those parking stalls or spaces designated for disabled persons pursuant to Section 22511.7 or 22511.8, unless transporting a disabled person. A violation of this subdivision is subject to the issuance of a notice of parking violation imposing a civil penalty of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), for which enforcement shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Article 3 (commencing with Section 40200) of Chapter 1 of Division 17 or is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

(e)For the purposes of subdivisions (b) and (c), “disabled person placard” means a placard issued pursuant to Section 22511.55 or 22511.59.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 415, Sec. 2. (AB 144) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text: In addition to any fine imposed for conviction of a violation of Section 4461 or 22507.8, a city or county may adopt an ordinance or resolution to assess an additional penalty of one hundred dollars ($100). All revenue generated from imposition of the penalty shall be used specifically for the purpose of improving enforcement of the provisions of this code relating to disabled parking spaces and placards within the city or county. Revenue generated from imposition of the penalty may not be used to supplant funds used for other general parking enforcement purposes, but may be used to offset the cost of establishing a new disabled parking enforcement program.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 555, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text: In addition to, or instead of, any fine imposed for conviction of a violation of subdivision (c) or (d) of Section 4461, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for each conviction.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 215, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4462

text:
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall present the registration or identification card or other evidence of registration of any or all vehicles under his or her immediate control for examination upon demand of any peace officer.

(b) A person shall not display upon a vehicle, nor present to any peace officer, any registration card, identification card, temporary receipt, license plate, temporary license plate, device issued pursuant to Section 4853, or permit not issued for that vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used thereon under this code.

(c) This section shall become operative January 1, 2019.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 7) and added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 90, Sec. 8. (AB 516) Effective January 1, 2017. Section operative January 1, 2019, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text: Every person who commits a violation of subdivision (b) of Section 4462, with intent to avoid compliance with vehicle registration requirements of Article 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Chapter 1 or Article 1 (commencing with Section 5600) of Chapter 2, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 640, Sec. 2.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4463

text:
(a) A person who, with intent to prejudice, damage, or defraud, commits any of the following acts is guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 16 months, or two or three years, or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year:

(1) Alters, forges, counterfeits, or falsifies a certificate of ownership, registration card, certificate, license, license plate, temporary license plate, device issued pursuant to Sections 4853 and 4854, special plate, or permit provided for by this code or a comparable certificate of ownership, registration card, certificate, license, license plate, temporary license plate, device comparable to that issued pursuant to Sections 4853 and 4854, special plate, or permit provided for by a foreign jurisdiction, or alters, forges, counterfeits, or falsifies the document, device, or plate with intent to represent it as issued by the department, or alters, forges, counterfeits, or falsifies with fraudulent intent an endorsement of transfer on a certificate of ownership or other document evidencing ownership, or with fraudulent intent displays or causes or permits to be displayed or have in their possession a blank, incomplete, canceled, suspended, revoked, altered, forged, counterfeit, or false certificate of ownership, registration card, certificate, license, license plate, temporary license plate, device issued pursuant to Sections 4853 and 4854, special plate, or permit.

(2) Utters, publishes, passes, or attempts to pass, as true and genuine, a false, altered, forged, or counterfeited matter listed in paragraph (1) knowing it to be false, altered, forged, or counterfeited.

(b) A person who, with intent to prejudice, damage, or defraud, commits any of the following acts is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for six months, a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both that fine and imprisonment, which penalty shall not be suspended:

(1) Forges, counterfeits, or falsifies a disabled person placard or a comparable placard relating to parking privileges for disabled persons provided for by a foreign jurisdiction, or forges, counterfeits, or falsifies a disabled person placard with intent to represent it as issued by the department.

(2) Passes, or attempts to pass, as true and genuine, a false, forged, or counterfeit disabled person placard knowing it to be false, forged, or counterfeited.

(3) Acquires, possesses, sells, or offers for sale a genuine or counterfeit disabled person placard.

(c) A person who, with fraudulent intent, displays or causes or permits to be displayed a forged, counterfeit, or false disabled person placard, is subject to the issuance of a notice of parking violation imposing a civil penalty of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), for which enforcement shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Article 3 (commencing with Section 40200) of Chapter 1 of Division 17, or is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for six months, a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both that fine and imprisonment, which penalty shall not be suspended.

(d) For purposes of subdivision (b) or (c), “disabled person placard” means a placard issued pursuant to Section 22511.55 or 22511.59.

(e) A person who, with intent to prejudice, damage, or defraud, commits any of the following acts is guilty of an infraction, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first offense, not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for a second offense, and not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a third or subsequent offense, which penalty shall not be suspended:

(1) Forges, counterfeits, or falsifies a Clean Air Sticker or a comparable clean air sticker relating to high-occupancy vehicle lane privileges provided for by a foreign jurisdiction, or forges, counterfeits, or falsifies a Clean Air Sticker with intent to represent it as issued by the department.

(2) Passes, or attempts to pass, as true and genuine, a false, forged, or counterfeit Clean Air Sticker knowing it to be false, forged, or counterfeited.

(3) Acquires, possesses, sells, or offers for sale a counterfeit Clean Air Sticker.

(4) Acquires, possesses, sells, or offers for sale a genuine Clean Air Sticker separate from the vehicle for which the department issued that sticker.

(f) As used in this section, “Clean Air Sticker” means a label or decal issued pursuant to Sections 5205.5 and 21655.9.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 746, Sec. 1. (AB 984) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text: In addition to, or instead of, any fine imposed for conviction of a violation of subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 4463, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each conviction.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 215, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


text:
(a) No person shall manufacture or sell a decorative or facsimile license plate of a size substantially similar to the license plate issued by the department.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the director may authorize the manufacture and sale of decorative or facsimile license plates for special events or media productions.

(c) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 859, Sec. 1.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4464

text: A person shall not display upon a vehicle a license plate that is altered from its original markings.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 702, Sec. 2. (AB 2489) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4465

text:
(a) A legal owner of record of a vehicle may request, and the department shall furnish, information regarding the current registration status of the vehicle, including the license plate number and address of the registered owner of the vehicle. The department may charge a fee to pay for the cost of furnishing this information.

(b) (1) By January 1, 2010, the department shall be in full compliance with the federal Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-519) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) rules governing the federal National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) (49 U.S.C. Sec. 30501 et seq.), to the extent practicable.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), by January 1, 2010, the department shall eliminate any restrictions to consumer access to titling, branding, and theft information provided by the department to NMVTIS, to ensure that prospective purchasers have instant and reliable access to California’s data.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 328, Sec. 226. (SB 1330) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4466

text:
(a) The department shall not issue a duplicate or substitute certificate of title or license plate if, after a search of the records of the department, the registered owner’s address, as submitted on the application, is different from that which appears in the records of the department, unless the registered owner applies in person and presents all of the following:

(1) Proof of ownership of the vehicle that is acceptable to the department. Proof of ownership may be the certificate of title, registration certificate, or registration renewal notice, or a facsimile or photocopy of any of those documents, if the facsimile or photocopy matches the vehicle record of the department.

(2) A driver’s license or identification card containing a picture of the licensee or cardholder issued to the registered owner by the department pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 12500) of Division 6. The department shall conduct a search of its records to verify the authenticity of any document submitted under this paragraph.

(A) If the registered owner is a resident of another state or country, the registered owner shall present a driver’s license or identification card issued by that state or country. In addition, the registered owner shall provide photo documentation in the form of a valid passport, military identification card, identification card issued by a state or United States government agency, student identification card issued by a college or university, or identification card issued by a California-based employer. If a resident of another state is unable to present the required photo identification, the department shall verify the authenticity of the driver’s license or identification card by contacting the state that issued the driver’s license or identification card.

(B) If the registered owner is not an individual, the person submitting the application shall submit the photo identification required pursuant to this paragraph, as well as documentation acceptable to the department that demonstrates that the person is employed by an officer of the registered owner.

(3) If the application is for the purpose of replacing a license plate that was stolen, a copy of a police report identifying the plate as stolen.

(4) If the application is for the purpose of replacing a certificate of title or license plate that was mutilated or destroyed, the remnants of the mutilated or destroyed document or plate.

(5) If the department has a record of a prior issuance of a duplicate or substitute certificate of title or license plate for the vehicle within the past 90 days, a copy of a report from the Department of the California Highway Patrol verifying the vehicle identification number of the vehicle.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply if any of the following applies:

(1) The registered owner’s name, address, and driver’s license or identification card number submitted on the application match the name, address, and driver’s license or identification card number contained in the department’s records.

(2) An application for a duplicate or substitute certificate of title or license plate is submitted by or through one of the following:

(A) A legal owner, if the legal owner is not the same person as the registered owner or as the lessee under Section 4453.5.

(B) A dealer or an agent of the dealer.

(C) A dismantler.

(D) An insurer or an agent of the insurer.

(E) A salvage pool.

(c) At the discretion of the department, subdivision (a) does not apply in any of the following circumstances:

(1) An application for a duplicate or substitute certificate of title or license plate is submitted by a licensed registration service representing any of the following:

(A) A person or entity listed in subparagraphs (A) to (E), inclusive, of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b).

(B) A business entity recognized under the laws of this state or the laws of any foreign or domestic jurisdiction whose laws are in parity with the laws of this state.

(C) A court-appointed bankruptcy referee.

(D) A person who is an individual, is not included in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, and submits to the licensed registration service an application with a signature that is validated by a notary public. The licensed registration service shall maintain full and complete records of its transactions conducted pursuant to this subparagraph and shall make those records available for inspection by an investigator of the Department of Motor Vehicles, investigator of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, a city police department, a county sheriff’s office, or a district attorney’s office, if the investigator requests access to the record and the request is for the purpose of a criminal investigation.

(2) The vehicle is registered under the International Registration Plan pursuant to Section 8052 or under the Permanent Fleet Registration program pursuant to Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 5301).

(3) The vehicle is an implement of husbandry, as defined in Section 36000, or a tow dolly, or has been issued an identification plate under Section 5014 or 5014.1.

(d) The department shall issue one or more license plates only to the registered owner or lessee. The department shall issue the certificate of title only to the legal owner, or if none, then to the registered owner, as shown on the department’s records.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 328, Sec. 227. (SB 1330) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4467

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall issue new and different license plates immediately upon request to the registered owner of a vehicle who appears in person and submits a completed application, if all of the following are provided:

(1) Proof of ownership of the vehicle that is acceptable to the department.

(2) A driver’s license or identification card containing a picture of the licensee or cardholder issued to the registered owner by the department pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 12500) of Division 6. The department shall conduct a search of its records to verify the authenticity of any document submitted under this paragraph.

(3) The previously issued license plates from the vehicle.

(4) The payment of required fees under subdivision (c) of Section 4850 and subdivision (b) of Section 9265 for the issuance of duplicate license plates.

(5) One of the following:

(A) A copy of a police report, court documentation, or other law enforcement documentation identifying the registered owner of the vehicle as the victim of an incident of domestic violence, as specified in Section 1708.6 of the Civil Code, the subject of stalking, as specified in Section 1708.7 of the Civil Code or Section 646.9 of the Penal Code, the victim of a rape, as defined in Section 261 or former Section 262 of the Penal Code, or the victim of a sexual battery, as defined in Section 1708.5 of the Civil Code.

(B) A written acknowledgment, dated within 30 days of submission, on the letterhead of a domestic violence agency or a rape crisis center, that the registered owner is actively seeking assistance or has sought assistance from that agency within the past year.

(C) An active protective order as defined in Section 6218 of the Family Code, or issued pursuant to Section 527.6 or 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure, that names the registered owner as a protected party.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to special license plates issued under Article 8 (commencing with Section 5000) of Chapter 1 of Division 3, special interest license plates issued under Article 8.4 (commencing with Section 5060) of Chapter 1 of Division 3, or environmental license plates issued under Article 8.5 (commencing with Section 5100) of Chapter 1 of Division 3.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 626, Sec. 73. (AB 1171) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 4. Evidences of Registration


citation: VEH § 4600

text: Certificates of ownership shall not be renewed annually but shall remain valid until suspended, revoked, or canceled by the department for cause or upon a transfer of any interest shown therein.

article: 5. Renewal of Registration

path: 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE > 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title > 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4601

text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this code, every vehicle registration and registration card expires at midnight on the expiration date designated by the director pursuant to Section 1651.5, and shall be renewed prior to the expiration of the registration year. The department may, upon payment of the proper fees, renew the registration of vehicles.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, renewal of registration for any vehicle that is either currently registered or for which a certification pursuant to Section 4604 has been filed may be obtained not more than 75 days prior to the expiration of the current registration or certification.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) or any other law, commencing upon the effective date of the act that added this subdivision, the renewal of registration for a vehicle that expires on or before June 30, 2011, may be obtained not more than 75 days prior to the expiration of the current registration or certification and the renewal of registration for a vehicle that expires on or after July 1, 2011, or for which a certification, pursuant to Section 4604, has been filed, may not be obtained until the expiration of the current registration or certification or until the department has issued a notice of renewal, whichever occurs first. This subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2012.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 21, Sec. 4. (SB 94) Effective May 4, 2011.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


text: Notwithstanding Section 4601, the registration for vehicles registered pursuant to the Partial Year Registration Program as described in Article 5 (commencing with Section 9700) of Chapter 6 of Division 3, expires at midnight of December 31 of the registration year. However, for the purposes of applying any future reductions or increases in the vehicle license fee, the vehicle registrations subject to this section shall be deemed to have a final expiration date in the succeeding calendar year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 169, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4602

text: Application for renewal of a vehicle registration shall be made by the owner not later than midnight of the expiration date, and shall be made by presentation of the registration card last issued for the vehicle or by presentation of a potential registration card issued by the department for use at the time of renewal and by payment of the full registration year fee for the vehicle as provided in this code. If the registration card and potential registration card are unavailable, a fee as specified in Section 9265 shall not be paid.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1268, Sec. 2.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4603

text: Whenever in his opinion the interests of the State will be promoted thereby, the director with the approval of the Governor may extend for a period not to exceed 10 days the closing of the period during which applications for renewal of registration may be presented without the payment of penalties.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4604

text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (d), prior to the expiration of the registration of a vehicle, if that registration is not to be renewed prior to its expiration, the owner of the vehicle shall file, under penalty of perjury, a certification that the vehicle will not be operated, moved, or left standing upon a highway without first making an application for registration of the vehicle, including full payment of all fees. The certification is valid until the vehicle’s registration is renewed pursuant to subdivision (c).

(b) Each certification filed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be accompanied by a filing fee of fifteen dollars ($15).

(c) (1) An application for renewal of registration, except when accompanied by an application for transfer of title to, or an interest in, the vehicle, shall be submitted to the department with payment of the required fees for the current registration year and without penalty for delinquent payment of fees imposed under this code or under Part 5 (commencing with Section 10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code if the department receives the application prior to or on the date the vehicle is first operated, moved, or left standing upon a highway during the current registration year and the certification required pursuant to subdivision (a) was timely filed with the department.

(2) If an application for renewal of registration is accompanied by an application for transfer of title, that application may be made without incurring a penalty for delinquent payment of fees not later than 20 days after the date the vehicle is first operated, moved, or left standing on a highway if a certification pursuant to subdivision (a) was timely filed with the department.

(d) A certification is not required to be filed pursuant to subdivision (a) for one or more of the following:

(1) A vehicle on which the registration expires while being held as inventory by a dealer or lessor-retailer or while being held pending a lien sale by the keeper of a garage or operator of a towing service.

(2) A vehicle registered pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 8050) of Chapter 4 of Division 3.

(3) A vehicle described in Section 5004, 5004.5, or 5051, as provided in Section 4604.2. However, the registered owner may file a certificate of nonoperation in lieu of the certification specified in subdivision (a).

(4) A vehicle registered pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 9700) of Chapter 6 if the registered owner has complied with subdivision (c) of Section 9706.

(e) Notwithstanding Section 670, for purposes of this section, a “vehicle” is a device by which a person or property may be propelled, moved, or driven upon a highway having intact and assembled its major component parts including, but not limited to, the frame or chassis, cowl, and floor pan or, in the case of a trailer, the frame and wheels or, in the case of a motorcycle, the frame, front fork, and engine. For purposes of this section, “vehicle” does not include a device moved exclusively by human power, a device used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, or a motorized wheelchair.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 574, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


text:
(a) When the registration of a vehicle registered on a partial year basis has expired and the vehicle is not thereafter operated, moved, or left standing upon a highway, and the vehicle is in compliance with subdivision (b) of Section 9706 applying to vehicles registered on a partial year basis, an application for renewal made subsequent to that expiration shall be accompanied by a certificate of nonoperation.

(b) An application for registration or renewal of registration of a vehicle described in Section 5004 or 5004.5 that has not been operated, moved, or left standing upon a highway shall be accompanied by a certificate of nonoperation for the period during which the vehicle was not registered.

(c) A certificate of nonoperation may be accepted for a vehicle registered pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 8050) of Chapter 4 solely for the purpose of waiver of penalties.

(d) The application for registration or renewal of registration of vehicles specified in subdivisions (a) and (b), whether or not accompanied by an application for transfer of title, shall be accepted by the department upon payment of the proper fees for the current registration year without the payment of delinquent fees imposed under this code or Part 5 (commencing with Section 10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code if the department receives the application and certificate of nonoperation prior to the date the vehicle is first operated, moved, or left standing upon a highway during the current registration year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 574, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


text:
(a) (1) If the vehicle has not been operated, moved, or left standing upon any highway subsequent to the expiration of the vehicle’s registration, the certification specified in Section 4604 or 4604.2 may be filed after the expiration of the registration of a vehicle, but not later than 90 days after the expiration date, subject to the payment of the filing fee specified in Section 4604 and the penalty specified in paragraph (2).

(2) A penalty shall be collected on any certification specified in Section 4604 or 4604.2 filed later than midnight of the date of expiration of registration. The penalty shall be computed as provided in Sections 9406 and 9559 and after the registration and weight fees have been combined with the license fee specified in Section 10751 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as follows:

(A) For a delinquency period of 10 days or less, the penalty is 10 percent of the fee.

(B) For a delinquency period of more than 10 days, to and including 30 days, the penalty is 20 percent of the fee.

(C) For a delinquency period of more than 30 days, to and including 90 days, the penalty is 60 percent of the fee.

(3) This subdivision applies to the renewal of registration for vehicles with expiration dates on or before December 31, 2002.

(b) The certification specified in Sections 4604 and 4604.2 may be filed no more than 90 days after the expiration of the registration of a vehicle if the vehicle has not been operated, moved, or left standing upon any highway subsequent to the expiration of the vehicle’s registration. A penalty shall be collected on any certification specified in Section 4604 or 4604.2 filed later than midnight of the date of expiration of registration. After 90 days, the vehicle must be registered pursuant to Section 4601. A certification filed pursuant to this subdivision is subject to the payment of the filing fee specified in Section 4604 and the payment of the penalties specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subdivision.

(1) The penalty for late payment of the registration fee provided in Section 9250 is as follows:

(A) For a delinquency period of 10 days or less, the penalty is ten dollars ($10).

(B) For a delinquency period of more than 10 days, to and including 30 days, the penalty is fifteen dollars ($15).

(C) For a delinquency period of more than 30 days, to and including 90 days, the penalty is thirty dollars ($30).

(2) The penalty on the weight fee and the vehicle license fee shall be computed after the weight fee as provided in Section 9400 or 9400.1 plus the vehicle license fee specified in Section 10751 of the Revenue and Taxation Code have been added together as follows:

(A) For a delinquency period of 10 days or less, the penalty is 10 percent of the fee.

(B) For a delinquency period exceeding 10 days, to and including 30 days, the penalty is 20 percent of the fee.

(C) For a delinquency period of more than 30 days, to and including 90 days, the penalty is 60 percent of the fee.

(3) Weight fees not reported and not paid within 20 days, as required by Section 9406, shall be assessed a penalty on the difference in the weight fee, as follows:

(A) For a delinquency period of 10 days or less, the penalty is 10 percent of the fee.

(B) For a delinquency period exceeding 10 days, to and including 30 days, the penalty is 20 percent of the fee.

(C) For a delinquency period of more than 30 days, to and including 90 days, the penalty is 60 percent of the fee.

(c) This section shall apply to registration renewals that expire on or after January 1, 2003.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 805, Sec. 12. Effective September 23, 2002.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4605

text: Notwithstanding Section 4000 of this code, and notwithstanding Section 38020 of this code, no fees or penalties imposed under this code or under Part 5 (commencing with Section 10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code shall accrue due to operation of a vehicle in conjunction with the theft or embezzlement of the vehicle if the owner or legal owner submits a certificate in writing setting forth the circumstances of the theft or embezzlement and certifies that the theft or embezzlement of the vehicle has been reported pursuant to the provisions of this code.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 935.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4606

text: Notwithstanding any provision of subdivision (a) of Section 5204 to the contrary, when an application for the registration of a vehicle has been made as required in Sections 4152.5 and 4602, the vehicle may be operated on the highways until the new indicia of current registration have been received from the department, upon condition that there be displayed on the vehicle the license plates and validating devices, if any, issued to the vehicle for the previous registration year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 258, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4607

text: The department, upon renewing a registration, shall issue a new registration card to the owner as upon an original registration.

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4609

text:
The department may extend the life of the current series of license plates, outstanding during 1957, and may hereafter issue a new series of license plates for an indefinite period of time, but in no event for a period less than five (5) years. During each intervening year of the period for which the plates are issued, the department shall issue a tab, sticker, or other suitable device as herein provided.

Any such series of plates may be canceled by the director with the approval of the Governor at any time after five years from the year of issuance of such series.

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4610

text: The department may authorize an endorsement of a receipt or the validation of a registration card or potential registration card as provided in this code by a person or organization holding a certificate of authority issued under the provisions of Part 5 (commencing with Section 12140) of Division 2 of the Insurance Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 454, Sec. 181.)

article: 5. Renewal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4750

text:
The department shall refuse registration, or renewal or transfer of registration, upon any of the following grounds:

(a) The application contains any false or fraudulent statement.

(b) The required fee has not been paid.

(c) The registration, or renewal or transfer of registration, is prohibited by the requirements of Part 5 (commencing with Section 43000) of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code.

(d) The owner of a heavy vehicle, which is subject to the heavy vehicle use tax imposed pursuant to Section 4481 of Title 26 of the United States Code, has not presented sufficient evidence, as determined by the department, that the tax for the vehicle has been paid pursuant to that section.

(e) Evidence of financial responsibility, that is required for a vehicle registration renewal where there is no change in registered owner, has not been provided to the department pursuant to Section 4000.37 or electronically. This subdivision does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A vehicle for which a certification has been filed pursuant to Section 4604, until the vehicle is registered for operation upon the highway.

(2) A vehicle owned or leased by, or under the direction of, the United States or any public entity that is included in Section 811.2 of the Government Code.

(3) A vehicle registration renewal application where there is a change of registered owner.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 880, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration

path: 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE > 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title > 6. Refusal of Registration


text:
(a) If the department receives an application for registration of a specially constructed passenger vehicle or pickup truck after it has registered 500 specially constructed vehicles during that calendar year pursuant to Section 44017.4 of the Health and Safety Code, and the vehicle has not been previously registered, the vehicle shall be assigned the same model-year as the calendar year in which the application is submitted, for purposes of determining emissions inspection requirements for the vehicle.

(b) (1) If the department receives an application for registration of a specially constructed passenger vehicle or pickup truck that has been previously registered after it has registered 500 specially constructed vehicles during that calendar year pursuant to Section 44017.4 of the Health and Safety Code, and the application requests a model-year determination different from the model-year assigned in the previous registration, the application for registration shall be denied and the vehicle owner is subject to the emission control and inspection requirements applicable to the model-year assigned in the previous registration.

(2) For a vehicle participating in the amnesty program in effect from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, pursuant to Section 9565, the model-year of the previous registration shall be the calendar year of the year in which the vehicle owner applied for amnesty. However, a denial of an application for registration issued pursuant to this paragraph does not preclude the vehicle owner from applying for a different model-year determination and application for registration under Section 44017.4 of the Health and Safety Code in a subsequent calendar year.

(c) (1) The Bureau of Automotive Repair may charge the vehicle owner who applies to participate in the amnesty program a fee for each referee station inspection conducted pursuant to Section 9565. The fee shall be one hundred sixty dollars ($160) and shall be collected by the referee station performing the inspection.

(2) A contract to perform referee services may authorize direct compensation to the referee contractor from the inspection fees collected pursuant to paragraph (1). The referee contractor shall deposit the inspection fees collected from the vehicle owner into a separate trust account that the referee contractor shall account for and manage in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and principles. Where the department conducts the inspections pursuant to Section 9565, the inspection fees collected by the department shall be deposited into the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 388, Sec. 1. (AB 2461) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


text: Information provided by an insurer to the department pursuant to Section 11580.10 of the Insurance Code and former Section 4750.2, as added by Chapter 946 of the Statutes of 1991, shall be made available only to law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 193, Sec. 194. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


text:
(a) The department shall withhold the registration or the transfer of registration of any vehicle sold at retail to any applicant by any person other than a vehicle manufacturer or dealer holding a license and certificate issued pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11700) of Division 5, or an automobile dismantler holding a license and certificate issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 11500) of Division 5, or a lessor-retailer holding a license issued pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11600) of Division 5, and subject to the provisions of Section 11615.5, until the applicant pays to the department the use tax measured by the sales price of the vehicle as required by the Sales and Use Tax Law (Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code), together with penalty, if any, unless the State Board of Equalization finds that no use tax is due. If the applicant so desires, he may pay the use tax and penalty, if any, to the department so as to secure immediate action upon his application for registration or transfer of registration, and thereafter he may apply through the Department of Motor Vehicles to the State Board of Equalization under the provisions of the Sales and Use Tax Law for a refund of the amount so paid.

(b) The department shall transmit to the State Board of Equalization all collections of use tax and penalty made under this section. This transmittal shall be made at least monthly, accompanied by a schedule in such form as the department and board may prescribe.

(c) The State Board of Equalization shall reimburse the department for its costs incurred in carrying out the provisions of this section. Such reimbursement shall be effected under agreement between the agencies, approved by the Department of Finance.

(d) In computing any use tax or penalty thereon under the provisions of this section, dollar fractions shall be disregarded in the manner specified in Section 9559 of this code. Payment of tax and penalty on this basis shall be deemed full compliance with the requirements of the Sales and Use Tax Law insofar as they are applicable to the use of vehicles to which this section relates.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1284.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


text:
(a) The department shall transmit to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration all collections of tax and penalty made under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 of this code and Section 6295 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. This transmittal shall be made within 30 days, accompanied by a schedule in such form as the department and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration may prescribe.

(b) The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration shall reimburse the department for its costs incurred in carrying out paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 of this code and Section 6295 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. The reimbursement shall be effected under agreement between the agencies, approved by the Department of Finance.

(c) In computing any tax or penalty thereon under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 of this code and Section 6295 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, dollar fractions shall be disregarded in the manner specified in Section 9559 of this code. Payment of tax and penalty on this basis shall be deemed full compliance with the requirements of the Sales and Use Tax Law insofar as they are applicable to the use of vehicles to which paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 4456 of this code and Section 6295 of the Revenue and Taxation Code relates.

(d) The amendments to this section made by the act adding this subdivision do not constitute a change in, but are declaratory of, existing law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 256, Sec. 27. (AB 176) Effective September 23, 2021.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4751

text:
The department may refuse registration or the renewal or transfer of registration of a vehicle in any of the following events:

(a) If the department is not satisfied that the applicant is entitled thereto under this code.

(b) If the applicant has failed to furnish the department with information required in the application or reasonable additional information required by the department.

(c) If the department determines that the applicant has made or permitted unlawful use of any registration certificate, certificate of ownership, or license plates.

(d) If the vehicle is mechanically unfit or unsafe to be operated or moved on the highways.

(e) If the department determines that a manufacturer or dealer has failed during the current or previous year to comply with the provisions of this code relating to the giving of notice to the department of the transfer of a vehicle during the current or previous year.

(f) If the department determines that a lien exists, pursuant to Section 9800, against one or more other vehicles in which the applicant has an ownership interest.

(g) If the applicant has failed to furnish the department with an odometer disclosure statement pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 32705 of Title 49 of the United States Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1035, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4755

text: The department shall refuse registration, or renewal or transfer of registration for any commercial motor vehicle subject to Section 4000.6, if the owner or operator of the motor vehicle at the time of the application has been cited for a violation, pertaining to that vehicle, of Division 26 (commencing with Section 39000) of the Health and Safety Code or regulations of the State Air Resources Board adopted pursuant to that division, until the violation has been cleared, as determined by the State Air Resources Board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 592, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4760

text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b) or (d), the department shall refuse to renew the registration of a vehicle if the registered owner or lessee has been mailed a notice of delinquent parking violation relating to standing or parking, the processing agency has filed or electronically transmitted to the department an itemization of unpaid parking penalties, including administrative fees pursuant to Section 40220, and the owner or lessee has not paid the parking penalty and administrative fee pursuant to Section 40211, unless he or she pays to the department, at the time of application for renewal, the full amount of all outstanding parking penalties and administrative fees, as shown by records of the department, or the itemization of unpaid parking penalties has been rescinded pursuant to Section 40220.

(2) When the department receives the full amount of all outstanding parking penalties and administrative fees pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall issue a receipt showing each parking penalty and administrative fee that has been paid, the processing agency for that penalty and fee, and a description of the vehicle involved in the parking violations. The receipt shall also state that, to reduce the possibility of impoundment under Section 22651 or immobilization under Section 22651.7 of the vehicle involved in the parking violation, the registered owner or lessee may transmit to that processing agency a copy or other evidence of the receipt.

(b) The department shall not refuse to renew the registration of a vehicle owned by a renter or lessor if the applicant provides the department with the abstract or notice of disposition of parking violation issued pursuant to subdivision (c) for clearing all outstanding parking penalties and administrative fees as shown by the records of the department.

(c) The court or designated processing agency shall issue an abstract or notice of disposition of parking violation to the renter or lessor of a vehicle issued a notice of delinquent parking violation relating to standing or parking if the renter or lessor provides the court or processing agency with the name, address, and driver’s license number of the rentee or lessee at the time of occurrence of the parking violation.

(d) The department shall not refuse to renew the registration of a vehicle if the citation was issued prior to the registered owner taking possession of the vehicle.

(e) The department shall allow a registered owner or lessee to file a certification that the vehicle will not be operated, moved, or left standing upon a highway pursuant to Section 4604, if the registered owner or lessee currently owes parking penalties and administrative fees for that vehicle, regardless of whether or not that registered owner or lessee is currently on an active payment plan pursuant to Section 40220.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 741, Sec. 2. (AB 503) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


text:
(a) The department shall, before renewing the registration of any vehicle, check the driver’s license record of all registered owners for conviction of traffic violations and traffic accidents.

(b) The department shall, before renewing the registration of any vehicle, check the driver’s license record of all registered owners for notices filed with the department pursuant to subdivision (a) of former Section 40509 and notices that the licensee has failed to pay a lawfully imposed fine, penalty, assessment, or bail within the time authorized by the court for any violation that is required to be reported pursuant to Section 1803 and shall refuse to renew the registration of the vehicle if the driver’s license record of any registered owner has any such outstanding notices to appear or failures to pay a court-ordered fine, unless the department has received a certificate issued by the magistrate or clerk of the court hearing the case in which the promise was given showing that the case has been adjudicated or unless the registered owner’s record is cleared as provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 41500) of Division 17. In lieu of the certificate of adjudication, a notice from the court stating that the original records have been lost or destroyed shall permit the department to renew the registration.

(c) Any notice received by the department pursuant to former Section 40509 that has been on file five years may be removed from the department records and destroyed, in the discretion of the department.

(d) In lieu of the certificate of adjudication or a notice from the court, the department shall with the consent of all registered owners collect the amounts that it has been notified are due pursuant to former Section 40509 and former Section 40509.5, and authorized to be collected pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 14910) of Chapter 5 of Division 6.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 800, Sec. 4. (AB 2746) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4761

text: The department shall include on each potential registration card issued for use at the time of renewal, or on an accompanying document, an itemization of unpaid parking penalties, including administrative fees, showing the amount thereof and the jurisdiction which issued the notice of parking violation relating thereto, which the registered owner or lessee is required to pay pursuant to Section 4760.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 939, Sec. 9.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4762

text: The department shall remit all parking penalties and administrative fees collected, after deducting the administrative fee authorized by Section 4763, for each notice of delinquent parking violation for which parking penalties and administrative fees have been collected pursuant to Section 4760, to each jurisdiction in the amounts due to each jurisdiction according to its unadjudicated notices of delinquent parking violation. Within 45 days from the time penalties are recorded by the department, the department shall inform each jurisdiction which of its notices of delinquent parking violation have been discharged.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 939, Sec. 10.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration


citation: VEH § 4763

text:
(a) The department shall assess a fee for the recording of the notice of delinquent parking violation, which is given to the department by a processing agency pursuant to Section 40220, in an amount, as determined by the department, that is sufficient to provide a total amount equal to its actual costs of administering Sections 4760, 4761, 4762, 4764, and 4765, and administering the system described in Section 4456.2.

(b) This section shall become operative January 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 11) and added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 90, Sec. 12. (AB 516) Effective January 1, 2017. Section operative January 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)

article: 6. Refusal of Registration