SoCal Truck Spotting - Stalking for Some =P

The 2012 California Legacy License Plate Program mandated that plates previously used in California could be issued by DMV if they got 7,500 pre-paid $50 orders by January 1, 2015. The program offered options of yellow background with black lettering (1956 to 1962), black background with yellow lettering (1963 to 1969), and blue background with yellow lettering (1969 to 1986). There wasn't a white on black option; those plates were from the 20s and a different size than modern ones.

The yellow on black was the only one that got over 7,500 pre-orders, so they went into production. The same molds from when they were first issued in 1963 were still at Folsom and reused, with the substitution of reflective yellow paint for the original flat yellow. There is a process for petitioning DMV for new designs (which would include white on black), but I can't find it on the internet, meaning it'd probably be easier to get your representative or senator to introduce a bill in the legislature to allow DMV to put it up the option the same way they did for the Legacy Plates.

I've seen several white on black California fake plates on the road, enough that I checked the DMV website to see if I missed them being introduced. I don't mind a variety of state plates (California has 14), although some states are excessive. A running gag was if you didn't recognize the plate on first glance, it's from Florida (122 very different designs). Maryland has over 700, but most of the variations are pretty similar (some graphic on the left with black letters on a white background). Another California trend is for people to print their own temporary plate (don't do it, and really don't use an ink printer for it when rain is expected).

 

If you buy a vehicle that is not drilled for the front plate the dealer should have you sign a waiver stating that you know you need to add the front license plate.

 

This is what I did when I bought my truck.

 

As others said, this is not true. California Vehicle Code 5200 defines the requirements for license plates on California-registered vehicles. Section 5200 states that:

“(a) When two license plates are issued by the department for use upon a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were issued, one in the front and the other in the rear.

(b) When only one license plate is issued for use upon a vehicle, it shall be attached to the rear thereof, unless the license plate is issued for use upon a truck tractor, in which case the license plate shall be displayed in accordance with Section 4850.5.”

Whoever told you that may have been confused by the part that states you only need to run 1 license plate if that's all you were issued by the DMV. However, for passenger vehicles and trucks, they always issue two plates.

 

I did the same thing as you - I checked the DMV website to make sure I didn't miss something, because I've seen SO many of those fake white on black plates on the road. I guess the CHP is noticing them, too, since they took the time to create that Facebook post I shared above.

I'll gladly complete the process to suggest that color scheme to the state (researching how to do that now ). But given the way the state is operating at the moment (it's taking 10+ months just to receive a personalized license plate that you ordered), I won't hold my breath for anyone to look at those requests anytime soon.

It also seems like the state only issues different plate designs if they serve some kind of "purpose." There are really only two standard designs that exist - the regular white with blue lettering, and the black/gold legacy plate. Everything else is considered either a "special" license plate (including my Press Photographer plate that I have), or a "special interest" license plate with the proceeds benefiting some kind of cause. I guess if we could get some kind of cause/purpose behind the white on black color scheme, it's more likely to get the interest of someone who can make it happen.

 

Maybe a Save the Manuals group? Dessert Conservation?

 

I love dessert! I can definitely get behind that cause.

 

i think (and have not tested this) you can legally run these :

https://licenseplatewrap.com

 

I only post if I see a TW sticker. Every other truck is a modified Tacoma in Southern California

 

Chino... alotta accessories.
Plate read *WHLR 8*

 

i very highly doubt anyone will post about spotting me on here anyways seeing as how I roll around in an old 4runner now

 

Thanks for the clarification and verbiage.

But to play fake internet lawyer, part a does not explicitly state the plate must be affixed to the front exterior of a vehicle. Front is ambiguous. A plate can be attached to the sun visor and covered. Ala front of the vehicle. Verbiage also doesn’t say it has to be visible

 

y'all cali folk with your personal plates & associated drama are funny

 

We are amused by the drama, buying match-matchy plates like nail polish to go with your shoes.

 

We are amused by your pettiness and lack of self-awareness.

 

....said to the guy with the custom painted Tacoma!

 

If you are implying that your tacoma has a custom paint job, then yes, talking shit on other people customizing their trucks would show a lack of self-awareness.

 

talking shit-- yes

The license plate thing y'all are into down there is quite amusing, actually going to eBay and purchasing knowingly illegal plates so your shoes match your nail polish! ......vanity indeed

 

... anyway.



“ELMOS” having pancakes at the Broken Egg in Burbank. YOHB?