Bought A New Car, But Still Waiting For The Plates

[blau]

I am in CA.

I purchase a new car in may have not gotton my real plates yet. I have called DMV a few weeks ago. They said they will reissue them. My question is how long is that dealer temp plats good for. Is it 90 days or 180 days?? (I don't know).

Also what is the penality for driving with dealer temp plats. Is it just a fix-it ticket. If so then I don't have to worry. It may be good, driving with dealer temp plates love the attention.

blau

[aaron]

I don't see any obvious answers in the Vehicle Code, although I suspect there's a provision in their somewhere detailing how long a temporary plate is valid. In this state, they print an expiration date on the temporary plate. You may wish to contact the DMV and ask.

[cdwjava]

CVC 4456 (c) A vehicle displaying a copy of the report of sale may be
operated without license plates or registration card until either of
the following, whichever occurs first:

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

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

They are good for 6 months.

Also check with the dealer to see that they submitted the paperwork. They have 20 or 30 days (depending on whether the vehicle is used or new) to submit the paperwork. If the DMV returnes it for correctiomn, then they have another set period of time (possibly up to 50 days) to submit the correct info and fees/penalties.

In fouled up situations it might take 3-4 months for plates and registration to be issued.

- Carl