Thieves often steal car rego plates to conceal their identities. They usually target cars of a similar make and model as their own, to really sell the disguise, then drive off and commit crimes like petrol theft.
What happens if you steal a tag?
California Vehicle Code 4463 makes it a crime to engage in fraud or forgery with respect to vehicle registration certificates, registration tags or stickers, license plates, or smog test certificates. Prosecutors can charge this section as a misdemeanor or a felony. Sentencing is up to 3 years in jail or prison.
Is it bad if someone steals your registration?
Stealing Vehicle Registration Tags in California You might think that taking the registration tags from one vehicle, even if you own that vehicle, and putting them on another car is no big deal. This is actually a crime that carries serious penalties, including expensive fines and jail time.
Is a stolen license plate a felony?
Stealing a license plate is generally classified as a misdemeanor; however, depending on the value of theft involved, vehicle parts theft can be charged as a felony.
Why do thieves steal license plates?
There are many reasons why people might steal license plates. These reasons include vehicles not being insured or not having current registration, camouflaging stolen vehicles, avoiding parking tickets, etc. Law enforcement is also noticing an uprise in temporary license plates being stolen.
Is it easy to steal a keyless car?
Are keyless cars easier to steal? Yes, in many circumstances. Some models have keyless entry that unlocks the doors when the key is close-by but still have a conventional key that is physically put in the ignition to start the car.
What to do when a license plate is stolen?
If two vehicle plates are lost, stolen or destroyed (or one plate if the vehicle was issued only one plate, e.g. motorcycles), you need to notify the police, and ask the police to complete a police report. Bring police report to a DMV office to surrender the vehicle registration.
Why would someone steal your license plate?
Police say that license plate theft can actually happen for a few different reasons. A thief may steal a large number of plates so that when they eventually steal a car, they have a variety of license plates to switch through in order to drive the vehicle for longer.
How to replace stolen plates and tabs?
To replace your stolen license plates or tabs, or both, you must submit: A completed and notarized Application for Replacement Plates/Tabs (Form 1576), indicating the reason for the replacement; and The $6.00 processing fee.
How do you replace a lost license plate?
To replace standard license plates, visit a vehicle licensing office and bring all of the following with you: A notarized Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest, or a notarized letter addressed to the Department of Licensing, saying that your vehicle license plates have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated. Photo identification.
