Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Stopped for missing front plate

I was pulled over and cited for Cal Vehicle Code 5200 - 2 plates required (my front plate was missing, but was later found in my garage). This seems like the most trivial reason to pull someone over.

Last year, I had a speeding violation reduced to a guilty plea of a VC 5200 violation (the judge was having a toys for tots drive and making deals). This case was closed in Dec 1998.

VC 5200 says the plates shall be attached, but 5201 says they shall at all times be securely fastened.

If I choose to press the issue and force a trial, do either of these points above do anything for me? This is just a fixit ticket, but I feel this was an abuse of power.


Asked on 9/22/99, 9:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eric Chase The Chase Law Group

Re: Stopped for missing front plate

California law requires a front and rear license plate per each vehicle. It is a violation of this law not to have a front license plate. Therefore, there was no "abuse of power" when you were cited, as trivial as the law may seem. Additionally, there is no substantial difference between "attached" and "securely fastened".

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Answered on 9/23/99, 12:42 pm


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