California Vehicle Code § 4464 prohibits displaying a vehicle license plate that has been altered from its original markings. Altering a license plate does not require fraudulent intent under this section, although other California laws may apply when an altered plate is connected to fraud, forgery, or other unlawful conduct.
What may seem like a minor change—such as touching up faded characters, modifying the plate’s markings, or attempting to repair a damaged plate—can raise legal questions under California law. Understanding what qualifies as an altered license plate, what penalties may apply, and what to do if you receive a citation can help you avoid unnecessary complications and respond appropriately.
What Does California Vehicle Code § 4464 Prohibit?
California Vehicle Code § 4464 prohibits a person from displaying on a vehicle a license plate that has been altered from its original markings.
In simple terms, California law generally requires motorists to display their license plates as issued. A person should not modify the plate’s markings and then continue displaying the modified plate on a vehicle.
Potential examples of an altered license plate may include:
Changing letters or numbers on the plate.
Painting over original plate markings.
Adding material that changes the plate’s original markings.
Modifying the plate’s appearance or reflective characteristics.
Otherwise changing the plate from its original condition.
Whether a particular modification violates § 4464 depends on the specific facts and the nature of the alleged alteration.
Does Altering a License Plate Require Intent to Defraud?
No. California Vehicle Code § 4464 does not expressly require proof that the person intended to commit fraud or evade law enforcement.
The statute focuses on displaying a license plate that has been altered from its original markings.
For example, suppose a driver paints over faded numbers because the driver believes the plate has become difficult to read. The driver may not have intended to deceive anyone, but changing the plate can still create an issue under § 4464.
Intent can matter under other California laws. Vehicle Code § 4463, for example, addresses certain fraudulent alteration, forgery, counterfeiting, and falsification involving license plates and registration documents and includes specific intent requirements for applicable offenses.
For that reason, an allegation under § 4464 should not automatically be treated as an allegation of fraud or forgery.
What Are Examples of Altering a License Plate?
Painting Over Faded Characters
A driver notices that the numbers on a license plate have faded and paints over them to make them darker.
Even if the purpose is simply to improve readability, the driver has changed the plate’s original markings. Displaying the modified plate may therefore create an issue under § 4464.
Changing a Letter or Number
A driver modifies a character on the plate so that it appears to be a different letter or number.
This is a more obvious example of changing the plate’s original markings. Depending on the circumstances, additional laws may also become relevant if the modification was intended to conceal the vehicle’s identity or facilitate another offense.
Adding Material to the Plate
A driver applies a substance, coating, sticker, or other material directly to the plate in a way that changes its original markings.
The legal consequences can depend on what was added and how it affected the plate.
Repairing a Damaged Plate
A driver has a damaged plate and attempts to repaint, reshape, or reconstruct it instead of obtaining a replacement.
Even when the goal is simply to restore the plate, modifying an official license plate can create a § 4464 issue.
Can You Paint Over a Faded California License Plate?
You should not assume that repainting an issued California license plate is permitted simply because the goal is to make it easier to read.
Painting over or otherwise changing the plate’s original markings can raise an issue under § 4464.
If a plate has become faded, damaged, or illegible, the better approach is to determine whether it should be replaced through the California DMV rather than modifying the existing plate.
What Should You Do If Your License Plate Is Damaged?
If a California license plate is damaged or made illegible, the DMV provides a replacement process.
The DMV states that license plates should be replaced when they are lost, stolen, damaged, or made illegible. Depending on the type of plate and circumstances, the replacement process may involve an application, surrendering remaining plates, identification, and applicable fees.
For example, if a plate is damaged in a collision, the owner should not assume that repainting or reconstructing the plate is the appropriate solution. Instead, the owner can use the DMV’s replacement process.
Replacing a damaged plate can help avoid questions about whether the original plate has been improperly altered.
What Are the Penalties for CVC § 4464?
A violation of California Vehicle Code § 4464 is treated as a traffic infraction under California’s applicable traffic penalty schedules.
The amount associated with a citation can depend on the applicable penalty schedule and assessments. The exact amount should therefore be confirmed using the citation and the court’s current instructions rather than relying on a general dollar figure.
The current California traffic schedules also list zero DMV violation points for a § 4464 altered-license-plate violation.
Although § 4464 is an infraction, different or additional consequences may apply if the facts support a separate Vehicle Code offense.
Is Altering a License Plate the Same as Covering It?
No. Altering a license plate and covering or obstructing a license plate are different types of conduct.
California has separate laws governing the proper display, visibility, and recognition of license plates.
For example, a driver may face a different violation if a cover or other device obstructs the plate, even when the underlying plate has not been physically altered.
The specific statute listed on a citation therefore matters.
What Is the Difference Between CVC § 4464 and CVC § 4463?
CVC § 4464 and CVC § 4463 address different conduct.
| CVC § 4464 | CVC § 4463 |
|---|---|
| Prohibits displaying a license plate altered from its original markings | Addresses certain fraudulent alteration, forgery, counterfeiting, or falsification |
| Does not expressly require fraudulent intent | Certain offenses contain specific intent requirements |
| Treated as a traffic infraction | Can carry more serious criminal consequences depending on the applicable offense |
| Focuses on displaying an altered plate | Focuses on specified fraudulent or falsified conduct |
The distinction is important because not every altered-license-plate allegation is a fraud or forgery case.
A citation under § 4464 should not automatically be treated as an allegation of criminal fraud.
Can You Receive a Citation Even Without Fraudulent Intent?
Yes.
Because § 4464 does not expressly require fraudulent intent, a person can potentially receive a citation even if the alleged alteration was not intended to deceive anyone.
For example, a driver may modify a faded plate because the driver believes the modification makes the plate more readable. The driver’s reason for making the change does not necessarily eliminate the issue created by displaying an altered plate.
The circumstances surrounding the alteration may still be relevant when determining what law applies and how the citation should be addressed.
What Should You Do After Receiving a CVC § 4464 Citation?
If you receive a citation for allegedly displaying an altered license plate, review the citation carefully.
Pay attention to:
The Vehicle Code section listed.
The alteration identified by the issuing officer.
Any response or court deadline.
Whether the plate has been damaged or replaced.
Whether another Vehicle Code violation is also alleged.
If you believe the plate was damaged rather than intentionally altered, or you believe the citation is based on a misunderstanding, those circumstances may be relevant to your response.
If the matter involves additional allegations such as fraud or falsification, the potential legal consequences can be different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is altering a license plate illegal in California?
Yes. California Vehicle Code § 4464 prohibits displaying a license plate that has been altered from its original markings.
Does CVC § 4464 require intent to defraud?
No. Section 4464 does not expressly require fraudulent intent. Other Vehicle Code offenses involving fraudulent or falsified license plates may have different intent requirements.
Can I paint over faded license plate numbers?
You should not assume that repainting an issued plate is permitted. Changing the plate’s original markings can create an issue under § 4464.
What should I do if my license plate is damaged?
Consider using the California DMV’s replacement process rather than repairing or modifying the plate yourself.
Is an altered license plate a misdemeanor?
A violation of § 4464 is treated as a traffic infraction. More serious criminal offenses may apply under different Vehicle Code provisions when their specific legal requirements are met.
Does CVC § 4464 add DMV points?
The applicable California traffic schedules currently list zero DMV violation points for § 4464.
Is a license plate cover the same as an altered license plate?
No. Plate covers and other forms of obstruction involve different California Vehicle Code provisions.
Can someone else’s alteration of my plate still cause a problem?
Potentially. If an altered plate is being displayed on your vehicle, the circumstances should be addressed rather than assuming that another person’s alteration eliminates the legal issue.
Can an altered license plate lead to other charges?
Potentially. If the facts involve fraud, forgery, falsification, or other prohibited conduct, additional California Vehicle Code provisions may apply.
Key Takeaways
California Vehicle Code § 4464 prohibits displaying an altered license plate.
The statute does not expressly require fraudulent intent.
Painting, changing, or otherwise modifying an issued plate can create a § 4464 issue.
A damaged or illegible plate should generally be addressed through the California DMV’s replacement process.
A § 4464 violation is treated as a traffic infraction.
The current traffic schedules list zero DMV violation points for § 4464.
Section 4464 is different from California laws addressing fraudulent or falsified license plates.
The exact statute and allegations listed on a citation matter.
Contact Southwest Legal
Have You Received an Altered License Plate Citation?
A citation under California Vehicle Code § 4464 can raise important questions about what constitutes an alteration, whether the plate was actually changed, and which California law applies.
Understanding the specific allegation and the Vehicle Code section cited can help you determine what steps to consider next.
Southwest Legal can help you understand the legal issues surrounding your citation and the procedures that may apply to your situation.
If you have received an altered-license-plate citation or have questions about California Vehicle Code § 4464, Contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship unless and until the firm and client enter into an agreement for legal services. Laws may change, and legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Consult a qualified attorney for advice regarding your situation.