Drivers Are Losing Their Cars Over $10 License Plate Mods

Legal Limits on Aesthetics

Vanity plates can add another layer of aesthetic appeal to a car, with some designs even supporting causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness through pink plates. However, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) warns that modified license plates are illegal and may result in confiscation or even vehicle impoundment, as altered plates can pose safety concerns.

In a report by CBS 8 San Diego, SDPD Officer Anthony Carrasco said dozens of illegal license plates were confiscated within a single month. Many of the plates were created using wrap kits purchased online for around $10, with the most common being black-themed designs, a visual throwback to California’s license plates from the 1960s. By comparison, official specialty plates from the California Department of Motor Vehicles can cost up to $110 initially, plus an annual renewal fee of roughly half that amount.

Ignorance Isn’t a Defense

The report noted that price isn’t the sole reason car owners turn to modified plates, as some are simply unaware they are breaking the law. Given the potential fines and the time-consuming process of recovering an impounded vehicle, Carrasco said using an illegal plate is not worth the risk of getting caught.

Modified plates can violate two California laws. Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits the alteration or tampering of license plates, while Assembly Bill 1085 bans the manufacture of devices designed to obscure plates from cameras, carrying fines of up to $1,000 per item.

When plate details are blocked from cameras, public safety concerns arise, as law enforcement may struggle to identify and track violators, a serious concern in stolen vehicle cases. In the event of an accident, first responders may also struggle to identify the vehicle involved.

Because modified plates and covers are widely available online, SDPD says it has encountered them across nearly all vehicle types, from everyday cars like the Toyota Corolla to high-end vehicles from Lamborghini.

Customization Has Its Place

Modified license plates themselves are not always illegal. Some car owners use vanity or foreign plates – such as Japanese-style plates – for shows, photoshoots, or private property use, often to enhance a vehicle’s appearance or promote car builds online. However, violations occur when modified plates replace active, registered plates on public roads.

For those seeking a legal alternative, car owners can apply for specialty plates through the DMV, which offers a range of approved designs, from Yosemite Conservancy plates to Disabled Person plates. However, not all personalized plate requests are approved, particularly if the wording is deemed inappropriate.