California · Vehicle Code

VEH §5035: Each license plate issued under Section 5033 shall bear a distinctive number to identify the motorized bicycle for which it is issued and shall bear a symbol, letter, or word to distinguish license pl

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

License plates for motorized bicycles must display distinctive numbers and symbols. Owners must attach plates to their assigned bicycles, carry identification cards, and notify the department if the bicycle is destroyed or ownership transfers.

Read the full statutory text
Each license plate issued under Section 5033 shall bear a distinctive number to identify the motorized bicycle for which it is issued and shall bear a symbol, letter, or word to distinguish license plates issued under this article from license plates issued for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles. The owner, upon being issued a license plate, shall attach it to the motorized bicycle for which it is issued and shall carry the identification card issued by the department as provided in Section 4454. It shall be unlawful for any person to attach or use the license plate upon any other motorized bicycle or vehicle. If the motorized bicycle is destroyed, the owner shall destroy the license plate and shall within 10 days notify the department on a form approved by the department that the motorized bicycle and license plate have been destroyed. If the ownership of the motorized bicycle is transferred to another person, that person shall submit, within 10 days, proper application as provided in Section 5031. The license plate shall remain with the motorized bicycle.

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.