Not Sure Why I Was Sent New License Plates

[525601minutes]

State of California -
The registration came due for my car and I paid online about a month ago.
I got the new 2011 sticker and put it on my back plate, so my car looks like it is good for another year...
But today I got a new set of plates in the mail & I'm not sure why.
I did not ask for new plates and these have a handicapped logo on the plate itself. I had been using a hanging placard....
I'm worried about being targeted for being disabled.
I don't park in disabled spots ALL of the time - especially if 'bad' areas - so my placard is not always on display.

Are the plates currently on my car now invalid?
Do I have to use the new plates?

[Mr. Knowitall]

I expect that you got handicapped plates because you qualify for them on a permanent basis, rather than getting placards. What do you mean by "I'm worried about being targeted for being disabled"? What do you plan to do when your placard expires?

[aardvarc]

DMV also routinely replaces plates after a number of years, because the 3M coating on the tags that helps the letters/numbers be visible at night fades and wears off. Here in Florida we get them replaced every 5 years or so (thanks to the sun causing fading), whereas in northern states they might be replaced every 3 years (snow and the resulting salted roads eats away the reflective coating quickly).

[525601minutes]

I don't think CA switches out plates for sun damage unless a problem is noted.

IWhat do you mean by "I'm worried about being targeted for being disabled"? What do you plan to do when your placard expires?

I'm worried that 'bad guys' like purse snatchers and the like might choose their victim based on handicapped plates - thinking we are an easier target.

My placard does not expire until July 2011, and at that time I thought I'd just apply for a new one - but perhaps it doesn't work like that?
Are the blue placards routinely replaced by the disabled person plates when the original plates come up for renewal?