BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 151|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 151
Author: DeSaulnier (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMMITTEE : 10-0, 4/16/13
AYES: DeSaulnier, Gaines, Beall, Cannella, Galgiani, Hueso,
Lara, Liu, Roth, Wyland
NO VOTE RECORDED: Pavley
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT : Vehicles: license plates
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill repeals the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV's) authority to make rules governing the use and display of
stickers or devices in lieu of license plates.
ANALYSIS : The first time a vehicle owner registers a vehicle,
DMV issues a pair of license plates for that vehicle. Existing
law requires that a vehicle display these as both a front and
rear plate. The owner must affix each plate so that it is
clearly visible, its characters are upright and display from
left to right, and the rear plate is at least 12 inches but not
more than 60 inches above the ground.
Since 1959, California law has authorized DMV to issue stickers,
tabs, or other suitable devices in lieu of license plates.
CONTINUED
SB 151
Page
2
Since 1959, state law has authorized DMV to make and publish
rules and regulations for the use and display of such stickers
or devices issued in lieu of license plates.
DMV has never exercised its authority to establish these devices
in lieu of plates and, therefore, has never established rules
for their display.
This bill repeals DMV's authority to make rules governing the
use and display of stickers or devices in lieu of license
plates. This bill requires that any vehicle displaying devices
in lieu of license plates must display a front and rear device,
so that the characters are upright and display from left to
right, and that the rear device will be at least 12 and not more
than 60 inches above the ground.
Comments
Several proposals have come forward in recent years from private
entities under which DMV would issue something in lieu of
license plates. Examples include a small sized vinyl facsimile
of the front license plate and an electronic screen capable of
displaying digital images in place of the rear plate. While it
may be appropriate for DMV to choose to offer these types of
devices in lieu of license plates, it is important that vehicle
owners display these devices in the same locations as they must
display license plates.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
JJA:d 4/30/13 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
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