California · Vehicle Code

VEH §42004: For the purpose of determining the penalty to be imposed pursuant to this code, the court may consider a written report from the Department of Motor Vehicles containing information from its records sh

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Courts may use Department of Motor Vehicles reports as evidence of prior convictions when determining penalties. Bail forfeitures are treated as convictions for penalty purposes.

Read the full statutory text

For the purpose of determining the penalty to be imposed pursuant to this code, the court may consider a written report from the Department of Motor Vehicles containing information from its records showing prior convictions; and the communication is prima facie evidence of such convictions, if the defendant admits them, regardless of whether or not the complaint commencing the proceedings has alleged prior convictions. For the purpose of this chapter a prior bail forfeiture shall be deemed to be a conviction of the offense charged.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.