CVC 4152.5 Ticket: Failure to Pay Vehicle Registration Fees in California

What is CVC 4152.5?

This ticket means you didn’t pay all the fees needed to register your vehicle with the California DMV. When you register your car, you have to pay certain fees every year. If those fees aren’t paid, the DMV can issue this violation.

Why does this happen?

Sometimes people forget to pay the full amount, or there might be a mistake on the DMV’s side. It’s easy to get confused because registration fees can include several parts like:

• Vehicle license fees
• County or district fees
• Special program fees

If any part isn’t paid, you can get this ticket.

What should you do?

First, check your registration status online or call the DMV. Make sure all fees are paid and up to date. If you already paid, gather your proof like receipts or bank statements. This will help if you want to fight the ticket.

If you didn’t pay because of a mistake or confusion, you might have a good defense. Keep reading to learn how to handle this ticket calmly and clearly.

Common Defenses

• Proof of Payment: You paid the full registration fee but the DMV’s records are outdated or incorrect.
• Payment Made on Time: You paid within the allowed time frame but the payment wasn’t processed correctly.
• Fees Waived or Reduced: You qualified for a fee waiver or reduction (like for disabled veterans) but the ticket was still issued.
• Clerical Error: The DMV made a mistake in calculating or recording your fees.
• Payment Plan in Place: You arranged a payment plan with the DMV and are following it.

Example Scenarios

• You renewed your registration online and paid, but the DMV system didn’t update before the ticket was issued.
• You mailed a check for the registration fee, but it got lost or delayed in the mail.
• You qualify for a disabled veteran fee waiver but the ticket officer didn’t see your documentation.

Key Facts

1. Registration Fees Are Mandatory You must pay all required fees to legally register your vehicle every year.

2. DMV Records May Lag Sometimes your payment doesn’t show up immediately in the DMV system, which can cause tickets.

3. You Have Rights to Contest If you believe you paid or have a valid reason, you can fight the ticket by showing proof.

FAQ

Q: Can I fix this by paying the fees now?
A: Yes, paying the fees usually clears the issue, but you might still need to contest the ticket if it was wrongly issued.

Q: How do I prove I paid?
A: Keep your payment receipt, bank statement, or confirmation email from the DMV.

Q: What if I can’t afford the fees right now?
A: Contact the DMV about payment plans or fee waivers that might apply to you.

Q: Will this ticket affect my insurance?
A: Usually no, but unpaid registration tickets can lead to a suspended registration, which can cause bigger problems.

Q: Can I go to court to fight this?
A: Yes, you can ask for a hearing to explain your side and show proof.

Remember, this ticket is fixable. Take a deep breath, check your records, and act quickly. You’re not alone in this!