Tesla Front Plate Law: What California Drivers Must Know

California roads are full of Teslas—and just as many questions about license plate rules. Many owners wonder if they really need to mount a front plate, especially when the car’s design seems to skip it entirely.

But under state law, if your Tesla was issued two plates, both must be displayed. No exceptions are made for electric or luxury vehicles. Failing to comply can lead to tickets and fines, even if your car is in perfect condition otherwise.

This guide explains what the law requires, what options Tesla drivers have, and what to do if you’re cited for a missing front plate.

California’s Front License Plate Law

Under California Vehicle Code § 5200, the law is straightforward:

“When two license plates are issued by the department for use upon a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were issued, one in the front and the other in the rear.”

This rule applies to nearly all standard passenger vehicles, including Teslas. The only exceptions are for motorcycles, trailers, and a few commercial vehicles that receive just one plate from the DMV.

So if your Tesla is registered in California and the DMV gave you two plates, you are legally required to display both—even if the front bracket wasn’t pre-installed by the manufacturer.

There is no exception for electric vehicles, luxury models, or cosmetic concerns. Whether you’re driving a Tesla Model 3 or a Roadster, the front plate requirement still applies.

Driving without it? That could result in a “fix-it” ticket or citation, which we’ll break down next.

Are Teslas or EVs exempt?

Many Tesla owners mistakenly believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from front license plate requirements in California. This assumption is common—especially since most Teslas arrive without a front bracket and look showroom-ready without one.

But the law is clear:

California does not make any exemption for EVs, Teslas, or luxury vehicles.

Why the Confusion?

Tesla’s minimalist front-end design omits a pre-mounted bracket to preserve aesthetics. Instead, the company usually includes an adhesive mount in the trunk, giving owners the option to install it themselves.

This design choice often leads drivers to believe the front plate is optional. But while the factory design is sleek, it does not change what California law requires. If two plates were issued, they must both be displayed—regardless of vehicle type or manufacturer delivery practices.

So even if your Tesla arrived without a front plate installed, you’re still legally required to mount it. Skipping this step puts you at risk of a violation under California Vehicle Code § 5200.

What are the penalties for driving without a front license plate?

If you’re caught driving your Tesla without a front license plate in California, law enforcement can issue a citation—even if everything else about your car is up to code.

What Happens If You’re Pulled Over?

Most often, you’ll receive a “fix-it” ticket, which is a type of correctable violation. Here’s how it works:

• You’re issued a citation under California Vehicle Code § 5200.
• You must install the front plate and have it verified by law enforcement or an authorized agency.
• You then submit proof of correction to the court and pay a small administrative fee.

What If You Ignore It?

Under California Vehicle Code § 40310, the consequences increase if the issue isn’t resolved promptly. Failing to correct a license plate violation within 20 days can lead to:

• Additional fines (often 50% higher),
• Court fees or late penalties,
• Possible holds on vehicle registration or driver’s license renewal.

Is It Worth the Risk?

For many Tesla drivers, skipping the front plate for style isn’t worth the potential hassle. Even if the ticket seems minor, it can snowball into a more expensive and time-consuming problem if left unaddressed.

How Tesla Owners Mount Front Plates

One of the biggest hesitations Tesla drivers have about front plates is simple: they don’t want to ruin the look of the car. Fortunately, there are several legal options for mounting a front license plate that don’t require drilling into the bumper.

1. Tesla OEM Adhesive Bracket

Most Teslas come with a factory-supplied adhesive mount designed to stick directly to the front bumper.

Pros: Easy to apply, fits the car’s design, included with new models.

Cons: Once applied, it’s permanent. Removing it may damage paint or leave residue.

Magnetic and Removable Mounts

Third-party manufacturers offer magnetic, suction-based, or clip-in brackets for temporary use.

Pros: No drilling or adhesive required. Easily removable for detailing or car shows.

Cons: May not hold up in car washes or at high speeds. Not endorsed by Tesla.

3. No-Drill or Tow Hook Brackets

Another popular choice is the tow hook-mounted bracket or under-grille options. These brackets don’t require modification to the bumper.

Pros: Solid and secure, avoids damaging the body.

Cons: Installation may vary by model; requires some effort and additional cost.

Are These Mounts Legal?

Yes—as long as the plate is securely attached and clearly visible from the front, California law doesn’t specify how it must be mounted. The key is visibility and stability, not method of attachment.

These solutions allow Tesla owners to stay compliant without sacrificing style.

What is the alternative for front license plates in California?

For Tesla owners who want to comply with the law without installing a bulky bracket, California now offers a stylish alternative: the license plate wrap.

A plate wrap is a high-quality, reflective vinyl version of your standard front plate. It’s applied directly to the bumper and mimics the look of a traditional plate—without sticking out or altering the car’s shape.

Is It Legal?

Yes. Since Assembly Bill 984 passed in 2022, California drivers have been allowed to use plate wraps as an approved alternative. These wraps must be produced by DMV-authorized vendors and match state specifications for visibility and reflectivity.

Why Use a Wrap?

✔ Preserves your Tesla’s design

✔ Avoids adhesives or hardware

✔ Easy to replace if damaged

Just like a metal plate, the wrap must still be clearly visible and securely affixed to the front of the vehicle.

What to Do If You’ve Been Ticketed

Getting a front plate ticket may seem minor, but how you handle it can prevent future fines or legal trouble.

Step 1: Read the Citation Carefully

Check whether your ticket is marked as a “correctable violation” or “fix-it ticket.” This means you can resolve the issue by complying with the law and paying a minimal fee—without getting hit with a full fine.

Step 2: Fix the Problem Promptly

✔ Install a legal front plate using any secure, visible mounting option.

✔ Have the correction verified by a law enforcement officer or authorized agency.

✔ Submit proof to the traffic court and pay the small administrative fee.

Courts typically allow 30 to 60 days to resolve fix-it tickets. Missing that deadline could lead to larger fines, added court costs, or even a hold on your license renewal.

Step 3: Consider Legal Help (If Needed)

While a single plate ticket is easy to fix, consider consulting a traffic attorney if:

• You’ve received multiple violations for the same issue
• Your citation wasn’t labeled correctable
• You were cited in combination with other offenses (e.g., speeding, tinted windows)
• You believe the ticket was issued in error

Legal guidance can help reduce or even dismiss penalties—especially if the ticket is part of a more complex case.

Conclusion

Teslas may look futuristic, but they still need to follow today’s traffic laws. And in California, that means you must display a front license plate if your vehicle was issued two plates by the DMV.

Skipping it for aesthetic reasons could cost you. A missing front plate can result in fines, court fees, or added trouble if you’re stopped for other infractions. Fortunately, Tesla owners have several mounting options—ranging from adhesive brackets to legal plate wraps—that allow you to comply without compromising your car’s clean look.

But if your situation goes beyond a simple citation—like a collision involving a Tesla, an insurance dispute, or injuries caused by another driver—you may need the help of experienced personal injury lawyers.

At Prestige Law Firm, we don’t focus on minor equipment violations. We handle serious vehicle-related cases across California, including Tesla accident claims and liability disputes involving car accident attorneys.

Whether you’re in Van Nuys, Palmdale, or the Greater Los Angeles area, we’re here to protect your rights and help you pursue fair compensation.

📞 Call (818) 788-0808 or (661) 341-3939
📧 Email: paul@prestigelaw.com