VC 4463 Violations & Penalties

VC 4463 makes it illegal to forge, alter, or use fraudulent vehicle registration or license plates. 

Examples of VC 4463 Violations:

1. Using a Fake Temporary License Plate

A driver prints or purchases a fake temporary license plate to make it appear their vehicle is legally registered. This is common with cars recently purchased from private sellers or dealers who fail to provide proper documentation.

Example: Someone buys a used car but avoids paying registration fees by displaying a fraudulent temporary plate purchased online.

2. Altering a Registration Sticker

A driver uses a fake or altered registration sticker on their license plate to make it appear their registration is current when it has expired.

Example: Scratching off or altering the year on an old sticker or creating a counterfeit sticker to avoid paying renewal fees.

3. Forging Vehicle Registration Documents

A person creates or alters vehicle registration paperwork, such as a Certificate of Title or DMV registration form, to falsify ownership or avoid paying fees.

Example: Someone sells a car by forging a title transfer document, hiding a lien, or falsifying signatures to pass off ownership.

4. Using Counterfeit License Plates

A driver displays a counterfeit or fraudulent license plate to avoid tolls, parking tickets, or registration fees.

Example: Creating a fake plate to avoid identification by toll cameras or law enforcement, often seen with delivery vehicles or rideshare drivers.

5. Presenting False Evidence of Insurance

A driver provides a forged insurance document to register a vehicle or during a traffic stop.

Example: Altering expired insurance cards or creating fake proof of insurance to meet DMV or law enforcement requirements.

6. Using Fraudulent Disabled Person Placards

A person forges or illegally uses a disabled parking placard to access reserved parking spaces or avoid parking fees.

Example: Someone uses a placard issued to a relative who is no longer alive or who is not present.

7. Operating a Stolen Vehicle with Forged Plates or Documents

A vehicle thief creates or uses forged license plates and registration documents to disguise a stolen car as legally owned.

Example: Swapping license plates with fraudulent ones and using forged registration papers to avoid detection during a traffic stop.

Penalties in Monterey County

• Misdemeanor: Up to $1,000 in fines and 1 year in county jail.
• Felony: Up to $10,000 in fines and 16 months to 3 years in state prison.

Monterey County Specifics

Cases involving fraudulent plates are prosecuted aggressively, particularly in high-traffic areas like Monterey and Salinas.

Message From Attorney Chris Cain

Being charged with VC 4463 violations can have long-lasting consequences. I can help you challenge the evidence or negotiate for reduced charges. Contact my office for a free consultation.