New License Plate question

Kahuna

Kahuna

Well-known member
In California, you can use YOM plates, if they are clear in the system.
As I understand it, they want to look at the plates, then make a
decision whether you can use them or not, based on condition,
regardless if they are clear in the DMV system.
My question is this:

For my 39 Ford coupe, I have (1) California "Worlds Fair" plate. It
is clear as far as DMV. I don't have a second plate and Ca. requires
2. Do they (DMV) HAVE to see both plates?

Anyone have a similar experience? You may see where I'm going with this

Jim
 
Almost zero enforcement in years past, just now beginning enforcement of the two plate law due to the need to photograph toll road violators.
 
NYS is same. i.e. ..............

Vintage plate ID (characters and numbers) must be checked by DMV prior to applying for registration to eliminate possibility of duplication. Applicant certifies such check on his application.

Number of plates issued per year varied and the State has a record of that data. A two-plate year requires two unaltered YOM matching plates. If the State issued "tags" for a certain year, one must have the one original tag that was issued for that year.

One must submit a photo of the (one or two) YOM plates with one's application, and be prepared to present them in-person if requested.

All plates in good condition, unaltered, unrestored.

Note: Most if not all NYS toll booths (especially "easy-pass" lanes) have cameras that record front and rear of cars passing thru. They also have a camera that records the driver's face.
 
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At car shows I've seen YOM plates mounted on one side in rear, and the regular plates on the other, I have also seen a plate holder that slipped over the normal plate and covered it for show.
 
When I registered my 36, DMV never asked to see the plates. Just went in with paper work from sale, had YOM plate on it when bought it. No problem. But with toll booths and police license readers and cameras at stop lights. I may run into a problem. Car only had the one plate when bought, thinking about having a plate made.
 
Ca. DMV will want to see both plates. The only exception is the year 1946 which only had one plate issued in Ca.
 
My one-time (in Cal) experience... this was about 10 yrs ago, 47 plates. I had one original, and one duplicate. At the time, I was told that 'duplicates' were not acceptable. Restored was ok. I had both plates in clear plastic baggies, with duplicate to the rear, partially obscured. I held both plates and 'flashed' them to the clerk - she never touched them. This worked ok - she bought into it. I still use these plates, and almost never put the duplicate front plate on. So far, this seems to be ok. About the only times I use the front plate are when I know I'm in an area of noticeable observation and possible enforcement. The Temecula car show is an example. I've seen numerous tickets written for almost anything, at that show.
At the other extreme, events related to the Fathers-Day shows around Pomona, where in seems that almost anything goes.
 
AAA cannot issue registration for a vehicle when you want to change to YOM. They say that only a DMV person can inspect both YOM plates and certify that they are real. Otherwise the AAA can do just about everything else regarding registration here in California. Wonderful deal, you just go to the friendly AAA office for any DMV work (except YOM) . Worth joining AAA just for that perk.
Just an opinion
 
Thanks to all for the info given.
Here's where I was going with this issue:
I have one (1) original plate, the Worlds Fair plate. It is physically larger (longer) than a std car plate.
I can have a duplicate plate made, but only in the std size plate. I was going to have a duplicate made if I didn't have to show both plates to the DMV.

i'll look into plan B
Thanks
Jim
 
Kahuna said:
Thanks to all for the info given.
I can have a duplicate plate made, but only in the std size plate. I was going to have a duplicate made if I didn't have to show both plates to the DMV.

i'll look into plan B
Thanks
Jim
Click to expand...

This puzzles me. The duplicate I had made, was pulled off the original. It's some sort of 'plastic' material. (ie... the original was used as a mold). I don't think there was a size limitation. ??? (Done by the guy in PA, that some guys have complained about on this forum.)
 
The DMV in my area checks both plates. You are taking a chance going in with a fake plate. You could be wasting your money having a fake plate made and maybe cause yourself some grief by trying to pass a fake. '39 World's Fair plates are not hard to find. Prices on them are not bad compared to other year plates.
There's a pair on e-Bay for $125 with a "buy it now' and are DMV clear.
 
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Both plates must match is size, weight, feel etc. Duplicate plates in aluminum or plastic won't pass, plus they look like crap. I agree with TJ, decent 39 sets can be found on ebay for a good price, but make sure they are DMV clear.
 
My 1938 Coupe came from New Jersey and had those plates when it came into California.
I bought a set of DMV clear 1938 California plates from someone on eBay.
I went to the DMV with the car and my new plates in hand. After checking the vin# and paperwork from New Jersey title the DMV assigned the 1938 plates to this vehicle but I had to show them the plates and there had to be a front and rear plate!
 
Here is a picture of the original plate, restored from a mangled, torn, rusted original, and the duplicate. Done by the guy in PA
Darryl's
266 Main St
Durea, PA 18642
www.darrylsplates.com
570-451-1600
 

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bobH said:
Here is a picture of the original plate, restored from a mangled, torn, rusted original, and the duplicate. Done by the guy in PA
Darryl's
266 Main St
Durea, PA 18642
www.darrylsplates.com
570-451-1600
Click to expand...
If the duplicate is in plastic or aluminum it won't pass in most California DMV offices. If you get caught trying to pass it you may cause yourself a lot of grief. For the cost of a matching pair of original plates why take a chance on possibly being cited by a DMV investigator for trying to pass an altered or fake plate. You've also set yourself up for DMV to come to your home and start checking all your other cars.
Not only could you be fined, but now you wasted money on the fake plate. There's no good reason to create yourself a problem with DMV.
 
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