Running Single Plate in California

[Charlie Stephens]

While out at the Model A pancake breakfast the other day I noticed a Model A pickup with a single license plate in the rear and nothing in front. The plate had a the official looking year tag normally issued for a YOM plate. Has something changed to allow a single plate or was this guy just pushing his luck? How could he have obtained the YOM tag with only a single plate, I thought you had to show a pair?

Charlie Stephens

[Tiny]

The law hasn't changed
You are supposed to run two.
I never do because I think front plates are ugly.
Like my dad use to tell me when I was a kid, you'll get a ticket! And I have.
I still don't run one on my cars though
Mine are in a drawer in the garage

[modelAsteve]

Keep the front plate in the car. When you are stopped it is only and equipment violation.

[ursus]

I know a guy that keeps his under the front seat and has the mounting hardware on the headlight bar. In over 20 years he has been stopped only once, whereupon he told the officer that the license was loose so he took it off. He was warned to reattach it at the most convenient opportunity, which simply hasn't come up as yet.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

WHY would someone in our California, run just one plate? The LAW is the LAW!!!----UR you jist "tryin" to be a CRINIMAL?
Bill Legalandsleepsgood

[daveymc29]

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I intend to run two plates, Year of Manufacture and VIRMIN. May put the other one in the trunk just in case. Don't have no sticky year and month holder either. Put a USMC decal, IAFF local 55, and Support your local Police stickers in the window. May help.

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

WHY would someone in our California, run just one plate? The LAW is the LAW!!!----UR you jist "tryin" to be a CRINIMAL?
Bill Legalandsleepsgood

I'm with you Bill. I've had them on every car I've owned since the '50's, including my Porsche and my current BMW. My cars are to drive not to look at. I don't see the license plate when I'm driving, and I don't care what other people see.

David Serrano

[TerryH]

Lots of modern cars only show one plate also......just the rear one. Many of the new cars hardly have a proper place to mount one on the front.....

[GMCPASO]

California reads, "you run with the plates or plate you are issued. Motorcycles have one plate, cars and trucks get two. If it is enforced is another question. It is not a law till it is enforced I guess.

[Tinker]

and it depends on who might actual stop you. if it was the DNR they'll ticket ya ever time . Think most law enforcement wouldn't be bothered. Isnt there also a grandfathers law, if restored and factory? like seat belts or air bags?

[Gil Sissons]

California law remains the same.... front and rear plates
must be on car. Locally we have been advised thru CHP
that they are cracking down on both those that run with
just a rear plate as well as those with YOM plates who
Don't put current year stickers either on the plates OR
the metal tabs.
Money maker for the local county.
Gil. NoCal

[Charlie Stephens]

I think people are placing a spin on my post that was not intended. I am not trying to break the law. It is not a situation of having a pair of plates and trying to get away with only running one. I would like to run 2 plates but I haven’t been able to find a matched pair. I have a ’31 RDPU which should have plates with the letters “PC” indicating a “pneumatic commercial” vehicle. The state of California will now allow you to run regular passenger car YOM plates but I really want a pair with the letters “PC”. When I saw someone running a single YOM plate (with the letters “PC”) I wanted to ask if there had been a change to the law or a loophole. Attached is a photo of single plate I have with the letters “PC”. If anyone has a pair please PM me.

Charlie Stephens

[1930artdeco]

From what I know you are correct Charlie. If you have a commercial vehicle you have to have commercial plates and a matching pair. I only run one plate but I have the other one under the seat. In all honesty, I don't think a cop will care as that is pretty low on their to do list.

Mike

[Dick Steinkamp]

I know this thread focuses on California, but for others, keep in mind that each state is different on the requirement for a front plate.

Here in Washington State, two plates are a must on "normal" cars and trucks...and it's not just a fixit ticket if caught. It's a $250 fine. And it is enforced (ask me how I know ).

If your car is old enough to run Year of Manufacture Plates, only the rear is required. The requirements and restrictions for YOM plates are the same as for "Collector Car" plates, however.

Check your individual state laws before assuming anything.

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by 1930artdeco

From what I know you are correct Charlie. If you have a commercial vehicle you have to have commercial plates and a matching pair. I only run one plate but I have the other one under the seat. In all honesty, I don't think a cop will care as that is pretty low on their to do list.

Mike

But you don't have to register a pre 1938 as a commercial vehicle as there were no wait fees attached to vehicle registration in the era of our vehicles

[fastroadster]

California Law enforcement usually won't write you a ticket..... but it is PC (probable cause) for a traffic stop.

[Jim Brierley]

What Tiny says is true. At one time pickups had to run commercial plates IF they weighed over a certain weight, I think 3,000 lbs. I worked at a GMC dealer in the 50's and if we took the spare tire, tools, etc. out and had it weighed, it could be registered as a passenger car. When the small foreign pickups started coming in CA changed the rules so all commercial vehicles had to have commercial plates. A couple of years later a CA vintage car group managed to get that changed so 1936 (or ???) or earlier commercial vehicles under a certain weight could again get passenger plates. Everyone doesn't know this including most DMV people, but they can look it up.

[1930artdeco]

In a club I belonged to they made him weigh his P/U because it had commercial plates on it. Sounds like he got stiffed.

Mike

[slammin]

Colorado is a 2 plate state. I bought a 95 Miata in 2002. The front plate has always been behind my seat. My 29 has a Horseless Carriage tag. They only issue one. I have a 29 Colorado plate and will install it on the front just for shows.

[Jw]

in Colorado you can run year of mfg on the backr and carry the antique plate under the seat, so who cares!

[Ernie Vitucci]

Arizona requires only one plate on the rear...We do tend to be a bit laid back! Ernie

[Gil Sissons]

Charlie
In searching on line.... Daves California License Plates.
He has quite a few different plates.... including a pair of
1930 pc plates. He might be able to help you find the
1931 plates.
Cheap? Nope!
Gil. NoCal

[Badpuppy]

OK went from two plates to one during WWII steel shortage, been that way ever since. I run the 1930 plate that came with the car in front and the legal one on the back. If I had two matching I could register and run them both and be true to period, but frankly I don't care all that much.

[denniskliesen]

In California there is only 2 years that you can run only one plate. 1945 & 1946. They only made one plate those years using the same plate for 46 and getting a small tag with 46 to attach in the upper rh corner, and if it is for a pickup for either of those years and you want a YOM plate, it does not have to be a commercial plate.

[GPierce]

Originally Posted by Jw

in Colorado you can run year of mfg on the backr and carry the antique plate under the seat, so who cares!

Same in Tennessee.

[Zoom]

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Where do you get the little piece to put the registration stickers for YOM plates in California?
DMV does not seem to know what I'm talking about when I ask them. I have two 1930 A's (with consecutive numbered 1930 plates no less) one has the little metal tab with the stickers on it. I can't seem to find out how to get the tab for the other one.
Dirk

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by Zoom

Where do you get the little piece to put the registration stickers for YOM plates in California?
DMV does not seem to know what I'm talking about when I ask them. I have two 1930 A's (with consecutive numbered 1930 plates no less) one has the little metal tab with the stickers on it. I can't seem to find out how to get the tab for the other one.
Dirk

Zoom,

I just carry my sticker with my registration. The previous owner never put it on the plate and neither have I.

David Serrano

[denniskliesen]

Originally Posted by Zoom

Where do you get the little piece to put the registration stickers for YOM plates in California?
DMV does not seem to know what I'm talking about when I ask them. I have two 1930 A's (with consecutive numbered 1930 plates no less) one has the little metal tab with the stickers on it. I can't seem to find out how to get the tab for the other one.
Dirk

When you apply to register YOM plates in CA, they send you the small metal plates with your new registration. When You apply, they take your $45 and tell you the new registration will be in the mail when your YOM plates have been approved.

[CarlG]

Here in Alaska, it is (nearly) impossible to obtain YOM plates for the Model A years. So, what quite a few have done is to display their "legal" plate on the rear, and a YOM plate from whatever state on the front. For quite a few years, my pickup had this plate on the front. It was quite amusing when I would drive it to work, since most of the people I worked with were from Texas. (I was working for an oil company based in Texas.)

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by Zoom

Where do you get the little piece to put the registration stickers for YOM plates in California?
DMV does not seem to know what I'm talking about when I ask them. I have two 1930 A's (with consecutive numbered 1930 plates no less) one has the little metal tab with the stickers on it. I can't seem to find out how to get the tab for the other one.
Dirk

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Month-Y...kAAOSwlxRahR6~

[Gil Sissons]

Most DMV offices will be able to give you
these metal tabs. Our local has given these
to me.
There are sellers on fleabay selling license
plate frames made for the year sticker.
There is no question you may not attach the
Year sticker to the plate or tab.... your choice.
Just know CHP as of January 1 is now writing
Tickets ( not fix-it tickets)... for no year stickers.
Roll the dice if you choose.
Gil. NoCal

[California Travieso]

Gil,

I see a lot of vehicles with out-of-state plates that have obviously not re-registered in California because they have stickers that are several years behind. I wish they would target those vehicles first because they are getting a free ride.

David Serrano

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by Zoom

Where do you get the little piece to put the registration stickers for YOM plates in California?
DMV does not seem to know what I'm talking about when I ask them. I have two 1930 A's (with consecutive numbered 1930 plates no less) one has the little metal tab with the stickers on it. I can't seem to find out how to get the tab for the other one.
Dirk

You can get the tabs at the DMV. Bolt them in place. It is easy to twist them down behind the plate when you don't want to show them.

[daveymc29]

Waited about 1.5 hours to be told that I can't get the little tab to put the stickers on because my car is not a commercial vehicle. That was in Walnut Creek Ca with an appointment. Had the manager idiot come verify what the window lady was telling me. Have plate and stickers, will display with a plate frame. Cal DMV must hire Post Office rejects.

[russcochiolo]

I made these in a few minutes out of scrap......would have taken longer to get to DMV.

[russcochiolo]

Just remembered! One of our members found a frame with the tabs cast as part of it. I have seen them advertised somewhere but also don't remember where. I don't have a photo but I can probably get one. They seemed too expensive for this shade tree mechanic! Some one in this group must've seen them and remembered where. I think that they are the neatest.

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

WHY would someone in our California, run just one plate? The LAW is the LAW!!!----UR you jist "tryin" to be a CRINIMAL?
Bill Legalandsleepsgood

i guess i am a Criminal, i run one 29 plate on my car in California. but i have the other one at home i also have my stickers tucked up under the plate so you can't see them! i guess that is a one way ticket to the Gray Bar Inn!

[Zoom]

Dick,
Thanks I just ordered one of those off Ebay. DMV did not send a tab with my registration, and they did not know what I was talking about when asked. So for $12 delivered I'll just buy one.
Dirk

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

ALL THIS, jist to try to find a "loophole" so you don't have to do what your LAWS requires. GET A LIFE & do something useful, how long since you OILED yo' HORN? UR greased yo' CAM LOBE? UR washed your hair, if you have any left---LOL
Bill Bitching

[Corley]

Washington state recently passed a law requiring the weight of all vehicles when you first register them. They will try to look it up on the internet, but if they can't find it in just a couple of searches, you must take it to be weighed at a certified scale.

Also, in Washington, if your car qualifies for a collector plate or horseless carraige plate, they only supply you with one plate. If you run YOM plates, you only need one, but it must match the type of vehicle. Why can't this sort of crap be standardized accross all states?

[updraught]

Originally Posted by Corley

Washington state recently passed a law requiring the weight of all vehicles when you first register them. They will try to look it up on the internet, but if they can't find it in just a couple of searches, you must take it to be weighed at a certified scale.

Also, in Washington, if your car qualifies for a collector plate or horseless carraige plate, they only supply you with one plate. If you run YOM plates, you only need one, but it must match the type of vehicle. Why can't this sort of crap be standardized accross all states?

We also have state laws that control motor registration. Back in the 70's the state of Victoria here, was the first to introduce seat belts. This halved the road toll. Since then state governments have been emboldened to continually bring in new, more restrictive laws. Especially since we have somewhat free hospitals (paid mostly by the govt.).
Some of these laws have been brought up by Syncro to do with wheel size, some bureaucrat probably got a promotion out of it ...

However, in the state of New South Wales the vintage car, hot rod and 4wd clubs got together. A 4wd club magazine interviewed the potential politicians before the state elections, when they were in opposition, about what they would do with vehicle laws if they were elected.
On tape they said they would get rid of restrictive laws (that was what their party stood for, small govt.).

Anyway, the party got elected. When they got elected the govt. decided to go along with the bureaucrats and introduce more restrictive laws.
One of the things the govt. was told by the bureaucrats was that there should be no modified vehicles.

The govt put this to the combined motor clubs and the response was "well there goes all your emergency vehicles!".
As New South Wales is part Outback, it didn't seem to be a good thing as the emergency vehicle fleet like police and ambulance, need to be part 4wd with considerable modifications.
So the govt. said that the bureaucrats had to negotiate with the combined car clubs.
Hence, the laws on wheels size and suspensions lifts etc. have been watered down through negotiation, from what the bureaucrats had in mind.

As there is a federal move to harmonize state laws it is hoped that the New South Wales laws will become general throughout the country.

Anyways, that is the story as I know it.

I gather the UK has national vehicle laws.
Maybe after the royal wedding in a weeks time things will get better for you

[KenCoupe]

Originally Posted by California Travieso

Gil,

I see a lot of vehicles with out-of-state plates that have obviously not re-registered in California because they have stickers that are several years behind. I wish they would target those vehicles first because they are getting a free ride.

David Serrano

I used to work with a guy who had played professional sports. His car was registered in a state that was not California where he had played for a while because the annual fees were less in the other state. California did catch him, made him pay a fine and register correctly in California.

[KenCoupe]

Californians can join the Association of California Car Clubs (ACCC). Our club contributes to this organization every year, and individuals can also join. They lobby the state legislature on laws involving collector cars.

[KenCoupe]

Originally Posted by California Travieso

Gil,

I see a lot of vehicles with out-of-state plates that have obviously not re-registered in California because they have stickers that are several years behind. I wish they would target those vehicles first because they are getting a free ride.

David Serrano

I used to work with a guy who had played professional sports. His car was registered in a state that was not California where he had played for a while because the annual fees were less in the other state. California did catch him, made him pay a fine and register correctly in California.

[Chris Haynes]

In CA you licence plate must be from the same state your drivers license is from.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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When HASSLED by AUTHORITIES, limp a LOT & give them your car pic, to hang on their FRIDGE!
Bill Conman