{"code":"VEH","codeName":"Vehicle Code","section":"5155","citation":"Veh. Code, § 5155","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE [4000. - 9808.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/division-3"},{"name":"CHAPTER 1. Original and Renewal of Registration; Issuance of Certificates of Title [4000. - 5506.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/division-3/chapter-1"},{"name":"ARTICLE 8.6. Specialized License Plates [5151. - 5169.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/division-3/chapter-1/article-8.6"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 112.   (SB 1018)   Effective June 27, 2012.","effective":"2012-06-27","html":"<p>The design criteria for a specialized license plate are as follows:</p><p>(a) Except as provided in Section <a href=\"/veh/5161\">5161</a>, the license plate for a passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, or trailer shall provide a space not larger than two inches by three inches to the left of the numerical series and a space not larger than five-eighths of an inch in height below the numerical series for a distinctive design, decal, or descriptive message as authorized by this article. The license plates shall be issued in sequential numerical order or, pursuant to Section <a href=\"/veh/5103\">5103</a>, in a combination of numbers or letters.</p><p>(b) Specialized license plates authorized under this article may be issued for use on a motorcycle. That license plate shall contain a five-digit configuration issued in sequential numerical order or, pursuant to Section <a href=\"/veh/5103\">5103</a>, in a combination of numbers or letters. There shall be a space to the left of the numerical series for a distinctive design or decal and the characters shall contrast sharply with the uniform background color. A motorcycle plate containing a full plate graphic design is not authorized.</p><p>(c) Specialized license plates may be issued as environmental license plates, as defined in Section <a href=\"/veh/5103\">5103</a>.</p>","text":"The design criteria for a specialized license plate are as follows: (a) Except as provided in Section 5161, the license plate for a passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, or trailer shall provide a space not larger than two inches by three inches to the left of the numerical series and a space not larger than five-eighths of an inch in height below the numerical series for a distinctive design, decal, or descriptive message as authorized by this article. The license plates shall be issued in sequential numerical order or, pursuant to Section 5103, in a combination of numbers or letters. (b) Specialized license plates authorized under this article may be issued for use on a motorcycle. That license plate shall contain a five-digit configuration issued in sequential numerical order or, pursuant to Section 5103, in a combination of numbers or letters. There shall be a space to the left of the numerical series for a distinctive design or decal and the characters shall contrast sharply with the uniform background color. A motorcycle plate containing a full plate graphic design is not authorized. (c) Specialized license plates may be issued as environmental license plates, as defined in Section 5103.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/specialized-license-plates-5155","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}