Riding around SoCal lately I've been noticing some bikes with the old black background/yellow text California license plates. Adds a nice vintage look to a new-school nostalic themed bike. Anyone out there know the legalilty of this and how to get them? The CA DMV website is a mess (go figure).

 

They are probably fake plates and are also illegal. I have a set on my 36 ford that I got from these guys, http://www.licenseplates.tv/ They are high quality aluminum plates and can be made with any number set you choose. You can not ship them to CA though. I had mine sent to a relative out of state and they forwarded them to me.

From what I have heard, keep your CA issued plates with you in case you get pulled over for them.

 

California DMV.
In Poway, CA once there was a DMV station manager who had the place running like a well oiled machine. No lines - Ever.
I wrote a letter to the State of California on this guys superb work.
He was gone in a month and the place returned to normal.
Thats a true story.

 

Illegal in CA but can be purchased out of blow molded plastic from a vendor at the Long Beach Moto Swap Meet.

Others have simply masked and painted their real plate. Illegal again but has to be pretty low on LEO's radar.

 

In certain circumstances, you can use or replicate plates you personally own or have ones that have been cleared by CDMV.

Krusr

 

Thanks for the sources and answering the legality question.....

How about the stickers? Are people pulling theirs off their existing plates, photocopying them, or are they somehow getting a seperate set thru the DMV? This is strictly hypothetical, of course.

 

Jus' remember I live in MN, BUT I remember seeing people selling "black" plates, from the 'past'. And as Krusr posted, at that point you could get them re'issued, as new. Heard this from Momma's BIL, in Castro Valley, also. I have NO IDEA what one would need for paperwork, or if N E.

Is it true ??? ELEPHINO, I live in Mn.

I ONLY comment, cause I think they are AWESOME plates. And growing up in the 60' n 70's, they bring back lots o' memories, looking thru Hot Rod, Easyrider, etc.
And I concur, they really add a schweet touch, on the 'right' scoot.


IF you N JOY 'doodling', doodle away:

http://www.acme.com/licensemaker/

Psst, see avatar.

Beings yur Kaleefornya, like Arno'd sez it:






.

 

I got a 1972 Chevy Suburban I drive when I am not on the bike. Cool old truck, lowered and painted nice, everybody loves it.
It came with the old blue and yellow plates and I sent them to a company I got out of Hemmings that fixed the dents and repainted them.
I had them do them in the old black and yellow and they look great.
Never had any trouble, even though I have had a couple tickets in the old truck.
Nobody noticed.

 

Here's the rules according to the Ca DMV.

Vehicle Industry News VIN 2009–09 Year of Manufacture (YOM) Plate Program
New Policy
Legislation effective July 1, 2009, extends the Year of Manufacture (YOM) plate program to include currently registered autos, trailers, and motorcycles with a year model of 1969, or older and commercial vehicles (including pickups) with a year model of 1972, or older.
The YOM plate(s) must be an officially manufactured California plate(s) issued in 1969, or prior for autos, trailers, motorcycles and in 1972, or prior for commercial vehicles.
The standard Auto, Commercial, Trailer, Motorcycle (ACTM) year stickers will be issued to YOM plates for all original and renewal YOM plate applications. The Partial Year (PYR) stickers will no longer be issued. The YOM application fee will increase to $45.00 for all applications started on or after July 1, 2009.
Revised Form
The Application for Year of Manufacture (YOM) Plates (REG 352) has been revised to include a list of requirements for YOM applications. The REG 352 will only be available online, at www.dmv.ca.gov under Forms.
Effective July 1, 2009, all YOM applications must be submitted on the revised REG 352, (REV. 2/2009). YOM applications with fees paid prior to July 1, 2009, may be accepted on previous revisions of the REG 352 and are not subjected to the fee increase.
Background
Legislation was passed to amend California Vehicle Code, Section 5004.1, to include autos, trailers, and motorcycles with a year model of 1969, or older and commercial vehicles (including pickups) with a year model of 1972, or older.
Reference
California Vehicle Code §§5004.1, 5004.5
Registration Manual §4.460
Distribution
Notification that this memo is available online, at www.dmv.ca.gov under Publications was made via e-mail alert in July 2009.
VIN2009-09 © 2009 State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles. All rights reserved. Visit our Web Site—dmv.ca.gov
VIN 2009-09 Page 2
Contact
Call the DMV Customer Communications Section, at (916) 657-6560 for further clarification of this memo. Upon request, this document can be produced in Braille or large print.
JEAN SHIOMOTO, Deputy Director Communication Programs Division

 

Heard you can buy one on ebay and take it to the DMV. http://cgi.ebay.com/1963-series-Blac...item518d80aac8