CVC 5204 Ticket: Missing Registration Tabs on License Plate Explained
Failure to attach current registration tabs to license plate
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 5204?
Failure to attach current registration tabs to license plate
Common scenarios
- You renewed your registration online and paid, but the new sticker hadn’t arrived by mail yet when you got the ticket.
- Your registration tabs were on your license plate, but a recent car wash loosened them and they fell off without you noticing.
- You bought a used car and didn’t realize the previous owner hadn’t attached the current registration tabs.
Key facts
- Registration Tabs Show Your Car is Legally Registered: The sticker on your plate proves your registration is current. Without it, officers may assume your registration is expired.
- You Must Attach Tabs to the License Plate: The law requires the tabs to be on your plate, not just in your glove box or windshield.
- You Can Fight This Ticket if You Have Proof: If you have a valid registration or a good reason why the tabs weren’t displayed, you can use that to defend yourself.
Fine breakdown for CVC 5204
| 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 5204?
This law says you must put your current registration sticker (also called a "tab") on your license plate. The tab shows your car’s registration is up to date. If you don’t have the right tab on your plate, you can get a ticket.
Why does this matter?
The registration tab helps police and others know your car is legally registered. Without it, they might think your registration is expired or missing.
What should you do?
- Make sure you get your new registration tabs from the DMV when you renew.
- Attach the tabs to your license plate in the right spot.
- Check that the tabs are visible and not covered by dirt or anything else.
If you got a ticket, don’t panic. Sometimes there are good reasons to fight it. Keep reading to see your options.
How to handle a CVC 5204 ticket:
- Check your registration status online or with the DMV.
- Look at your license plate to see if the tabs are missing or incorrect.
- Gather any proof you have, like your registration receipt or photos of your plate.
- Consider your defense options below.
Remember, this ticket is about the sticker on your plate, not about your car’s actual registration status. That’s an important difference.
If you need help writing a defense letter or understanding your ticket, ClerkHero is here for you.
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
I had the current registration tabs but they fell off or were stolen before the ticket.
Defense 2
I renewed my registration on time and have proof, but the new tabs didn’t arrive yet.
Defense 3
The tabs were on the car but covered by dirt or something else, so the officer couldn’t see them.
Defense 4
I just bought the vehicle and was waiting for the DMV to send the tabs.
Defense 5
The officer made a mistake and the tabs were properly displayed at the time.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 5204 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
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You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
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You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 5204
What if I paid my registration but didn’t get the new tabs yet?
You can show your payment receipt or DMV confirmation to prove you renewed on time. This often helps reduce or dismiss the ticket.
Can I just put the tabs on the windshield instead of the plate?
No. California law requires the tabs to be attached to the license plate itself.
What if the tabs fell off without me knowing?
This is a common defense. If you can prove you had the tabs and they fell off, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed.
How do I attach the registration tabs correctly?
Tabs usually stick on a specific spot on the rear license plate. Check your DMV instructions or your plate for the exact location.
Can I get a ticket if my registration is current but tabs are missing?
Yes. Even if your registration is paid, not having the tabs on your plate can still lead to a ticket under CVC 5204.