CVC 5204 Ticket: Missing Registration Tabs on License Plate Explained

Summary of CVC 5204 Registration Tab Display (California)

• Type of ticket: Usually a fix-it (correctable) ticket if your registration is actually current and the issue is just with how the tabs are displayed.
• DMV points: None. It’s generally not a moving violation and does not add points to your driving record.
• Can it be fought? Yes. You often have a good defense if your registration was paid/current and the problem was with the sticker (tabs) being missing, delayed, misplaced, stolen, or obscured.

What CVC 5204 Covers

CVC 5204 deals with how registration tabs are displayed on your license plate, not whether you paid the registration itself.

Common situations:

• You renewed and paid, but the tabs never arrived.
• Tabs are in the car but not yet stuck on the plate.
• Tabs fell off or were stolen.
• Tabs were put in the wrong corner or wrong plate.
• Tabs are blocked or hard to see due to dirt, a frame, or a cover.

It’s closely related to:

• CVC 5200 (license plate display)
• CVC 4102 (registration renewal)

What to Do Right After You’re Cited

1. Check registration status
   Confirm with DMV (online or paperwork) that your registration is current.

2. Inspect your plate and tabs
   See if the tab is missing, in the wrong place, damaged, or obstructed.

3. Gather proof of renewal
   Collect:

   • Current registration card
   • DMV renewal receipt
   • Online payment confirmation
   • Any DMV request/receipt for replacement tabs

4. Fix the display issue immediately

   • Attach the tab properly to the correct plate and corner.
   • Request replacement tabs if lost/stolen.
   • Clean the plate so the sticker is clearly visible.

5. Take clear photos after you fix it
   Photograph the plate showing the current tab clearly displayed.

When You Likely Have a Strong Defense

You’re in a better position to contest the ticket if:

• Your registration was already current before the traffic stop.
• Tabs were delayed in the mail.
• Tabs fell off or were stolen without your knowledge.
• The officer misread the year/month on the sticker or misread the plate.
• Tabs were visible but partially blocked by dirt, a frame, or screws.

These cases are often well-suited to written defenses, because they rely heavily on documents and photos rather than in-person testimony.

Best Evidence to Keep and Submit

• DMV renewal confirmation (online or in-person receipt)
• Copy of your current registration card
• Photos of the plate:
  • Before (if available)
  • After correction (clear, close-up of the tab on the plate)
• Any DMV correspondence or receipts for replacement tabs
• Proof that renewal was paid before the citation date

Using Trial by Written Declaration

If your registration was current and you can document it, a Trial by Written Declaration is a convenient way to fight the ticket:

• You submit a written explanation instead of appearing in person.
• Attach copies of your registration, DMV receipts, and photos of the corrected plate.
• Explain that the issue was display (tabs) only, not failure to renew.

Practical Bottom Line

• Treat CVC 5204 as a display/paperwork problem, not a criminal-level offense.
• Fix the plate quickly, get your tabs properly displayed, and document everything.
• Use the correctable ticket process or a Trial by Written Declaration so a minor sticker issue doesn’t turn into a larger fine or court hassle.