many local law enforcement are ignorant when it comes to dmv dealer plate usage rules

if you are improperly cited for proper dealer plate use

contact the watch commander of the issuing agency

and forward the below published car dealer plate usage regulations

issued by the state of california

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dmv dealer plate use from the california code of regulations

BARCLAYS OFFICIAL CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
TITLE 13. MOTOR VEHICLES
DIVISION 1. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 1. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE 3.3. SPECIAL PLATES

This database is current through 8/16/16 

§ 201.00. Use of Special Plates Issued to a Dealer, Manufacturer, Remanufacturer, or Distributor.

(a) Special plates referenced in this section may only be used on vehicles that a dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor owns or lawfully possesses.

(b) The following individuals may operate a vehicle with special plates for any purpose:

(1) An individual who is the sole owner, a general partner, a manager of a limited liability company, or a corporate officer or director of a dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor, provided that individual is actively engaged in the management and control of the business operations of the dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor;

(2) A general manager, or business manager, or sales manager who is actively engaged in the management and control of the business operations of the dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor when no other individual meets the criteria in (1) above;

(3) An individual employed by a manufacturer or distributor and licensed as a representative.

(c) Any licensed driver may operate a vehicle with special plates for any purpose if an individual identified in section (b) is also in the vehicle.

(1) An unaccompanied licensed driver, who regularly resides in the immediate household of an individual identified in section (b), may operate a vehicle with special plates solely to pick up or drop off that individual.

(d) A licensed driver who is an employee of a dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer or distributor may drive a vehicle with special plates when that employee is acting within the course and scope of his or her employment.

(e) Any licensed driver may operate a vehicle with dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor special plates for special event purposes if the operator carries a letter of authorization from the licensee identifying the vehicle, duration, and location of operation, and person(s) authorized to operate the vehicle.

(f) Any licensed driver, who is a prospective buyer or lessee, may test drive a vehicle with special plates for up to seven days.

(1) A salesperson is not required to be present.

(2) If a salesperson is not present, the operator must carry a letter of authorization from the licensee identifying the vehicle, duration, and person(s) authorized to operate the vehicle.

(g) Employees of a commercial vehicle dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor who must operate a commercial vehicle in the course of their employment, may take a commercial drive test in a commercial vehicle displaying dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor special plates.

(h) A trailer, displaying special plates, may be towed by a vehicle with Vehicle Code authority to operate on the highways.

(i) Any use of special plates issued to a dealer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor except as specified is prohibited.

Note: Authority cited: Section 1651, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 11714, 11715 and 11716, Vehicle Code.

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