CVC 4159 California Ticket: No Registration Certificate in Vehicle Explained
Failure to carry registration certificate in vehicle
Written by
Violation category
Registration & Tags
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 4159?
Failure to carry registration certificate in vehicle
Common scenarios
- You just renewed your car registration online but the new certificate hasn’t arrived yet. The officer gave you a ticket for not carrying it.
- You keep your registration papers at home and forgot to put them in your glove box before driving.
- You showed the officer a photo of your registration certificate on your phone, but the officer still issued a ticket.
Key facts
- You must carry your registration certificate while driving: California law requires you to have your registration certificate in the vehicle whenever you drive. It helps law enforcement verify your car is legally registered.
- A ticket doesn’t always mean your registration is expired: This ticket is about not carrying proof, not about your registration status. You can still show valid registration later to fight the ticket.
- You can get a replacement registration certificate: If you lost your registration, visit the DMV website or office to order a new one. Keep it in your car to avoid future tickets.
Fine breakdown for CVC 4159
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 4159?
CVC 4159 means you didn’t have your vehicle’s registration certificate with you while driving. This certificate is a paper or digital proof showing your car is legally registered with the DMV.
Why does it matter?
The law wants you to carry this document so police can quickly check your car’s registration. If you don’t have it, you can get a ticket—even if your car is registered.
What should you do?
- Always keep your registration certificate in your car, like in the glove box.
- If you lost it, you can get a replacement from the DMV.
- If you got a ticket, don’t panic. Sometimes you can fight it or fix it by showing proof later.
You’re not alone—many people get this ticket by mistake or because they forgot the paper. Let’s look at how you might defend yourself and what to expect next.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You had a valid registration but forgot to carry the certificate with you.
Defense 2
You recently renewed your registration and the new certificate was delayed in the mail.
Defense 3
You showed the officer a digital copy of your registration on your phone (if allowed).
Defense 4
You had a valid temporary registration permit displayed in your vehicle.
Defense 5
You requested a replacement registration certificate from the DMV before the ticket date.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 4159 online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 4159
Can I show a digital copy of my registration to the officer?
California law now allows digital copies of registration on your phone. However, some officers may still issue a ticket if they prefer the paper version.
What if I lost my registration certificate?
You can order a replacement from the DMV online or in person. Keep the receipt or confirmation as proof until you get the new certificate.
Can I fight this ticket if my registration was valid?
Yes. You can show proof of valid registration in court or to the DMV to reduce or dismiss the ticket.
Where should I keep my registration certificate in my car?
The best place is the glove compartment or another secure spot where it’s easy to find during a traffic stop.
Will this ticket add points to my driving record?
No, this is an infraction but usually does not add points. Still, it can cost you a fine if not handled properly.