Section § 5060

Explanation

This section outlines the rules for organizations to participate in California's special interest license plate program. Organizations must meet specific criteria, such as being tax-exempt and providing a financial plan for revenue use, to apply for these plates. They must submit at least 7,500 applications before plates are issued. The design must ensure visibility for law enforcement, and there are specific design guidelines based on vehicle type. Organizations can collect fees, but must refund them if they don’t reach application goals within designated time frames. The department deducts its costs and manages remaining revenues through a special fund. An organization must not spend more than 25% of the funds on administrative costs. They must also submit annual financial reports, and failure to adhere to spending limits results in redirected funds. If compliance is not achieved, the department will cease issuing those plates.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(a) An organization may apply to the department for participation in a special interest license plate program and the department shall issue special license plates for that program if the issuance of those plates is required by this article, the sponsoring organization complies with the requirements of this section, and the organization meets all of the following criteria:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(a)(1) Qualifies for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 23701d of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(a)(2) Submits a financial plan describing the purposes for which the revenues described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) will be used.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(a)(3) Submits a design of the organization’s proposed special interest license plate that, among other things, provides for the placement of the number and letter characters in a manner that allows for law enforcement to readily identify those characters.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(b) Any person described in Section 5101 may apply for special interest license plates, in lieu of the regular license plates.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(c) The design criteria for a special interest license plate are as follows:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(c)(1) The license plate for a passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, or trailer shall provide a space not larger than 2 inches by 3 inches to the left of the numerical series and a space not larger than five-eighths of an inch in height below the numerical series for a distinctive design, decal, or descriptive message as authorized by this article. The plates shall be issued in sequential numerical order or, pursuant to Section 5103, in a combination of numbers or letters.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(c)(2) Special interest license plates authorized under this article may be issued for use on a motorcycle. That license plate shall contain a five digit configuration issued in sequential numerical order or, pursuant to Section 5103, in a combination of numbers or letters. There shall be a space to the left of the numerical series for a distinctive design or decal and the characters shall contrast sharply with the uniform background color. No motorcycle plate containing a full plate graphic design is authorized. Those particular special interest license plates that were issued prior to the discontinuation provided by this paragraph may continue to be used and attached to the vehicle for which they were issued and may be renewed, retained, or transferred pursuant to this code.
(d)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(1) No organization may be included in the program until not less than 7,500 applications for the particular special interest license plates are received. Each organization shall collect and hold applications for the plates. Once the organization has received at least 7,500 applications, it shall submit the applications, along with the necessary fees, to the department. The department shall not issue any special interest license plate until an organization has received and submitted to the department not less than 7,500 applications for that particular special interest license plate within the time period prescribed in this section. Advanced payment to the department by an organization representing the department’s estimated or actual administrative costs associated with the issuance of a particular special interest license plate shall not constitute compliance with this requirement. The organization shall have 12 months, following the effective date of the enactment of the specific legislation enabling the organization to participate in this program, to receive the required number of applications. If, after that 12 months, 7,500 applications have not been received, the organization shall immediately do either of the following:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(1)(A) Refund to all applicants any fees or deposits that have been collected.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(1)(B) Contact the department to indicate the organization’s intent to undertake collection of additional applications and fees or deposits for an additional period, not to exceed 12 months, in order to obtain the minimum 7,500 applications. If an organization elects to exercise the option under this paragraph, it shall contact each applicant who has submitted an application with the appropriate fees or deposits to determine if the applicant wishes a refund of fees or deposits or requests the continuance of the holding of the application and fees or deposits until that time that the organization has received 7,500 applications. The organization shall refund the fees or deposits to any applicant so requesting. In no event shall an organization collect and hold applications for a period exceeding 24 months following the date of authorization as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).
(C)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(1)(C) Sequential plate fees shall be paid for the original issuance, renewal, retention, replacement, or transfer of the special interest license plate as determined by the organization and authorized by department’s regulations. Those plates containing a personalized message are subject to the fees required pursuant to Sections 5106 and 5108 in addition to any fees required by the special interest license plate program.
(2)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(2)
(A)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(2)(A) If the number of currently outstanding and valid special interest license plates in any particular program provided for in this article is less than 7,500, the department shall notify the sponsoring organization of that fact and shall inform the organization that if that number is less than 7,500 one year from the date of that notification, the department will no longer issue or replace those special interest license plates.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(d)(2)(A)(B) Those particular special interest license plates that were issued prior to the discontinuation provided by subparagraph (A) may continue to be used and attached to the vehicle for which they were issued and may be renewed, retained, or transferred pursuant to this code.
(e)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(e)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(e)(1) The department shall deduct its costs to develop and administer the special interest license plate program from the revenues collected for the plates.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(e)(2) The department shall deposit the remaining revenues from the original issuance, renewal, retention, replacement, or transfer of the special interest license plate in a fund which shall be established by the Controller.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(f) When payment of renewal fees is not required as specified in Section 4000, or when a person determines to retain the special interest license plate upon a sale, trade, or other release of the vehicle upon which the plate has been displayed, the person shall notify the department and the person may retain and use the plate as authorized by department regulations.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(g) An organization that is eligible to participate in a special interest license plate program pursuant to this article and receives funds from the additional fees collected from the sale of special license plates shall not expend annually more than 25 percent of those funds on administrative costs, marketing, or other promotional activities associated with encouraging application for, or renewal of, the special license plates.
(h)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(h)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5060(h)(1) Every organization authorized under this article to offer special interest license plates shall prepare and submit an annual accounting report to the department by June 30. The report shall include an accounting of all revenues and expenditures associated with the special interest license plate program.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(h)(2) If an organization submits a report pursuant to paragraph (1) indicating that the organization violated the expenditure restriction set forth in subdivision (g), the department shall immediately cease depositing fees in the fund created by the Controller for that organization under paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) and, instead, shall deposit those fees that would have otherwise been deposited in that fund in a separate fund created by the Controller, which fund is subject to appropriation by the Legislature. The department shall immediately notify the organization of this course of action. The depositing of funds in the account established pursuant to this paragraph shall continue until the organization demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that the organization is in compliance or will comply with the requirements of subdivision (g). If one year from the date that the organization receives the notice described in this paragraph, the organization is still unable to satisfactorily demonstrate to the department that it is in compliance or will comply with the requirements of subdivision (g), the department shall no longer issue or replace those special interest license plates associated with that organization. Those particular special interest license plates that were issued prior to the discontinuation provided by this paragraph may continue to be used and attached to the vehicle for which they were issued and may be renewed, retained, or transferred pursuant to this code.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5060(h)(3) Upon receiving the reports required under paragraph (1), the department shall prepare and transmit an annual consolidated report to the Legislature containing the revenue and expenditure data.

Section § 5060.1

Explanation

This law states that the department is not allowed to accept applications for joining a special interest license plate program and cannot issue special interest plates for any new programs, despite what Section 5060 or any other law might suggest.

Notwithstanding Section 5060 or any other provision of law to the contrary, the department shall not accept an application for participation in a special interest license plate program under Section 5060 and shall not issue, under Section 5060, special interest license plates for a new program.

Section § 5061

Explanation

This law states that when the department allows a special interest license plate for a motorcycle, the design can't have graphics behind the numbers or symbols within the numbers. However, the fees for these special plates are the same as for other vehicles.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5061(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the department permits the issuance of a special interest license plate for display on a motorcycle, the department shall not approve any design for that plate that incorporates either or both of the following:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5061(a)(1) Full or partial graphic designs appearing behind the license plate number configuration.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5061(a)(2) Symbols within the license plate number configuration.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5061(b) Any special interest license plate issued for display on a motorcycle is subject to the same fees that are collected for the issuance and retention of special interest license plates on other vehicles.

Section § 5062

Explanation

This section outlines the Rosenthal Blue Sky License Plate Program, aimed at promoting clean fuel vehicles in California. The nonprofit group CALSTART is given permission to manage this special license plate program with the help of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The distinctive Blue Sky license plates are designed for vehicles using clean fuel. Vehicle owners or lessees can apply for these plates when registering or renewing their vehicle registration. Any money made from selling these plates goes into the California Environmental License Plate Fund, after covering program costs. A Blue Sky plate can be moved to another clean fuel vehicle, but if the new vehicle doesn't use clean fuel, the plates must be surrendered to the DMV. CALSTART is also mandated to publicize the availability of these plates with several state agencies. Lastly, CALSTART had one year from November 1, 1995, to gather at least 5,000 plate applications or the program would be canceled on January 1, 1997.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rosenthal Blue Sky License Plate Program.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(b) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that CALSTART is a California nonprofit consortium dedicated to the development and commercialization of advanced transportation technologies, including clean fuel vehicles, and that CALSTART should be authorized to undertake a special environmental “Blue Sky” license plate program to facilitate the purchase and use of clean fuel vehicles in the state.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(c) CALSTART may, with the approval of the department, participate in this special interest license plate program.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(d) CALSTART may, with the approval of the department, develop a distinctive design, in conformance with Section 5060, for inclusion on a special interest license plate. The license plate shall be known as the Blue Sky license plate and shall signify that the vehicle to which it is assigned is a clean fuel vehicle.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(e) Any person who owns or leases a clean fuel vehicle, as defined in Section 257, and who applies for an original or renewal registration of that vehicle, may apply, through CALSTART, for a set of Blue Sky license plates in lieu of regular license plates.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(f) The Blue Sky license plate is subject to Sections 5106 and 5108. The revenues derived from the sale of the license plates shall be deposited in the California Environmental License Plate Fund, after the department has deducted its costs for developing and administering the program.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(g) Notwithstanding Section 5060, a Blue Sky license plate may, upon application of the holder, be transferred to another clean fuel vehicle. If the vehicle to which transfer is sought is not a clean fuel vehicle, the plates shall be surrendered to the department.
(h)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(h) CALSTART, in coordination with the State Air Resources Board, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission, shall undertake efforts to publicize the availability of Blue Sky license plates.
(i)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(i) Notwithstanding Section 5060, CALSTART shall have 12 months, commencing November 1, 1995, to receive the required applications and to notify the department that the requisite number of applications have been received. If, after that 12-month period, 5,000 applications have not been received, CALSTART shall immediately notify the department and refund to all applicants any fees or deposits which have been collected.
(j)CA Vehicle Code § 5062(j) If, on November 1, 1996, the department has not received a notice from CALSTART pursuant to subdivision (i) or if, on or before that date CALSTART notifies the department that the requisite number of applications have not been received, the department shall provide that information to the Secretary of State, and this section shall become inoperative upon receipt of that information by the Secretary of State, and shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, which is enacted before January 1, 1997, deletes or extends that date.

Section § 5064

Explanation

This law allows for special license plates featuring a Yosemite National Park design, which people can purchase for an extra fee. The fees are $50 for the original plate, $40 for renewals, $15 for vehicle transfers, $35 for replacement plates, and $65 to convert existing plates. Half of the money collected goes to environmental projects in Yosemite National Park via the Yosemite Foundation, and the other half goes to the California Environmental License Plate Fund. The Yosemite Foundation must report yearly to the Legislature on how it spends the funds.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(a) The department, in consultation with the Yosemite Foundation, shall design and make available for issuance pursuant to this article special environmental design license plates bearing, notwithstanding Section 5060, a full-plate graphic design depicting a significant feature or quality of Yosemite National Park. Any person described in Section 5101, upon payment of the additional fees set forth in subdivision (b), may apply for and be issued a set of special environmental design license plates. Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 5060, the plates may be issued in a combination of numbers or letters, or both, requested by the owner or lessee of the vehicle.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(b) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration or renewal of registration, the following additional fees shall be paid for the issuance, renewal, or transfer of the special environmental design license plates authorized pursuant to this section:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(b)(1) For the original issuance of the plates, fifty dollars ($50).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(b)(2) For a renewal of registration with the plates, forty dollars ($40).
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(b)(3) For transfer of the plates to another vehicle, fifteen dollars ($15).
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(b)(4) For each substitute replacement plate, thirty-five dollars ($35).
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(b)(5) For the conversion of an existing environmental license plate to the special environmental design license plate authorized pursuant to this section, sixty-five dollars ($65).
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(c) After deducting its administrative costs under this section, the department shall deposit the additional revenue derived from the issuance, renewal, transfer, and substitution of special environmental design license plates as follows:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(c)(1) One-half in the Yosemite Foundation Account, which is hereby created in the California Environmental License Plate Fund. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the money in the account shall be allocated by the Controller to the Yosemite Foundation or its successor for expenditure for the exclusive trust purposes of preservation and restoration projects in Yosemite National Park.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(c)(2) One-half in the California Environmental License Plate Fund.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 5064(d) The Yosemite Foundation shall report to the Legislature on or before June 30 of each year on its use and expenditure of the money in the Yosemite Foundation Account, beginning one year after the initial issuance of the special interest license plates authorized by this section.

Section § 5066

Explanation

This law allows for the creation and sale of California memorial license plates, the proceeds of which are dedicated to antiterrorism activities. Applicants can choose custom number and letter combinations for their plates. The fees for these plates include: $50 for the initial issue, $40 for renewals, $15 for transfers, and $35 for replacements.

The revenue is placed in the Antiterrorism Fund, with half allocated for specific antiterrorism uses by the Office of Emergency Services and the other half used for other antiterrorism activities. Up to $50,000 annually may be used to promote the program. The term 'antiterrorism activities' includes efforts by law enforcement, fire protection, and public health sectors to prevent and respond to terrorism.

If less than 7,500 plates are active as of each January 1st from 2007 onward, no new plates will be issued.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(a) The department, in conjunction with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall design and make available for issuance pursuant to this article the California memorial license plate. Notwithstanding Section 5060, the California memorial license plate may be issued in a combination of numbers or letters, or both, as requested by the applicant for the plates. A person described in Section 5101, upon payment of the additional fees set forth in subdivision (b), may apply for and be issued a set of California memorial license plates.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(b) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration or renewal of registration, the following additional fees shall be paid for the issuance, renewal, retention, or transfer of the California memorial license plates authorized pursuant to this section:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(b)(1) For the original issuance of the plates, fifty dollars ($50).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(b)(2) For a renewal of registration of the plates or retention of the plates, if renewal is not required, forty dollars ($40).
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(b)(3) For transfer of the plates to another vehicle, fifteen dollars ($15).
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(b)(4) For each substitute replacement plate, thirty-five dollars ($35).
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(b)(5) In addition, for the issuance of an environmental license plate, as defined in Section 5103, the additional fees required pursuant to Sections 5106 and 5108 shall be deposited proportionately in the funds described in subdivision (c).
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(c) The department shall deposit the additional revenue derived from the issuance, renewal, transfer, and substitution of California memorial license plates in the Antiterrorism Fund, which is hereby created in the General Fund.
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(c)(1) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, one-half of the money in the fund shall be allocated by the Controller to the Office of Emergency Services to be used solely for antiterrorism activities. The office shall not use more than 5 percent of the money appropriated for local antiterrorism efforts for administrative purposes.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(c)(2) Upon appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or in another statute, one-half of the money in the fund shall be used solely for antiterrorism activities.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(d) The department shall deduct its costs to administer, but not to develop, the California memorial license plate program. The department may use an amount of money, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) annually, derived from the issuance, renewal, transfer, and substitution of California memorial license plates for the continued promotion of the California memorial license plate program of this section.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(e) For the purposes of this section, “antiterrorism activities” means activities related to the prevention, detection, and emergency response to terrorism that are undertaken by state and local law enforcement, fire protection, and public health agencies. The funds provided for these activities, to the extent that funds are available, shall be used exclusively for purposes directly related to fighting terrorism. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, hiring support staff to perform administrative tasks, hiring and training additional law enforcement, fire protection, and public health personnel, response training for existing and additional law enforcement, fire protection, and public health personnel, and hazardous materials and other equipment expenditures.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 5066(f) Beginning January 1, 2007, and each January 1 thereafter, the department shall determine the number of currently outstanding and valid California memorial license plates. If that number is less than 7,500 in any year, then the department shall no longer issue or replace those plates.

Section § 5067

Explanation

This section explains that California offers special license plates with a coastal design, intended to support environmental programs. These plates can be personalized with numbers and letters, and are available to qualifying individuals for additional fees. Upon obtaining these plates, fees include $50 for the initial issue, $40 for renewal, $15 for transfer, and $35 for replacement. These extra fees are split between two funds: the California Beach and Coastal Enhancement Account and the California Environmental License Plate Fund. These funds finance programs like beach cleanups, coastal education, and natural resource projects.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(a) The department, in consultation with the California Coastal Commission, shall design and make available for issuance pursuant to this article special environmental design license plates. Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 5060, the special environmental design license plates shall bear a graphic design depicting a California coastal motif and may be issued in a combination of numbers or letters, or both, as requested by the applicant for the plates. Any person described in Section 5101 may, upon payment of the additional fees set forth in subdivision (b), apply for and be issued a set of special environmental design license plates.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(b) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration or renewal of registration, the following additional fees shall be paid for the issuance, renewal, retention, or transfer of the special environmental design license plates authorized pursuant to this section:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(b)(1) For the original issuance of the plates, fifty dollars ($50).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(b)(2) For a renewal of registration of the plates or retention of the plates, if renewal is not required, forty dollars ($40).
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(b)(3) For transfer of the plates to another vehicle, fifteen dollars ($15).
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(b)(4) For each substitute replacement plate, thirty-five dollars ($35).
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(b)(5) In addition, for the issuance of an environmental license plate, as defined in Section 5103, the additional fees prescribed in Section 5106 and 5108. The additional fees prescribed in Sections 5106 and 5108 shall be deposited in the California Environmental License Plate Fund.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(c) After deducting its administrative costs under this section, the department, except as provided in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b), shall deposit the additional revenue derived from the issuance, renewal, transfer, and substitution of special environmental design license plates as follows:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(c)(1) One-half in the California Beach and Coastal Enhancement Account, which is hereby established in the California Environmental License Plate Fund. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the money in the account shall be allocated by the Controller as follows:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(c)(1)(A) First to the California Coastal Commission for expenditure for the Adopt-A-Beach program, the Beach Cleanup Day program, coastal public education programs, and grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations for the costs of operating and maintaining public beaches related to these programs.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(c)(1)(B) Second, from funds remaining after the allocation required under subparagraph (A), to the State Coastal Conservancy for coastal natural resource restoration and enhancement projects and for other projects consistent with the provisions of Division 21 (commencing with Section 31000) of the Public Resources Code.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5067(c)(2) One-half in the California Environmental License Plate Fund.

Section § 5068

Explanation

This law section allows veterans' organizations to apply for special license plates, either on their own or with other groups, once they meet certain application requirements. These plates feature unique designs or decals that honor veterans, which can be modified to recognize veterans of specific wars if needed. Any registered vehicle owner can apply for these plates that also allow for personalized combinations of numbers and letters.

Additional fees are required for these special plates: $50 for the initial issue, $40 for renewal, $15 for transfers, $35 for replacement plates, $10 for replacement decals, and $78 for personalized options. The Department of Motor Vehicles offers online ordering for these plates.

(a)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5068(a)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 5068(a)(1) (A) A veterans’ organization may apply either individually or with other veterans’ organizations to meet the application threshold set forth in Section 5060 for special interest plates. An organization that meets the minimum application requirement by applying with other organizations under this subdivision shall be issued a regular license plate bearing a distinctive design or decal approved under subdivision (a) of Section 5060.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(a)(1)(B) The Department of Veterans Affairs may modify the distinctive design or decal described in subparagraph (A), consistent with the design criteria imposed by Section 5060, to honor all veterans, or veterans who served in a particular war or armed conflict as described in subdivision (a) of Section 5068.1. Special interest plates issued under this section and bearing the modified design or decal shall be issued only after all existing plates have been issued.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(a)(2) Any person who is the registered owner or lessee of a passenger vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer registered or certificated with the department, or any person who applies for an original registration or renewal of registration of that vehicle may apply under this section for a special interest license plate with a decal that honors all veterans or veterans who served in a particular war or armed conflict.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(a)(3) Special interest license plates issued under this section may be issued in a combination of numbers or letters, or both, requested by the owner or lessee of the vehicle, to be displayed in addition to the design or decal authorized under paragraph (1), subject to Section 5105.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration, a renewal of registration, or a transfer of registration, the following fees shall be paid by individuals applying for a special interest license plate or a decal issued under this section:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b)(1) Fifty dollars ($50) for the initial issuance of the plates and decals. The plates shall be permanent and shall not be required to be replaced.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b)(2) Forty dollars ($40) for each renewal of registration that includes the continued display of the plates or decals.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b)(3) Fifteen dollars ($15) for transfer of the plates to another vehicle.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b)(4) Thirty-five dollars ($35) for replacement plates, if they become damaged or unserviceable.
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b)(5) Ten dollars ($10) for replacement decals, if they become damaged or unserviceable.
(6)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(b)(6) Notwithstanding Section 5106, seventy-eight dollars ($78) for the personalization of the plates, as authorized under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a).
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5068(c) The department shall maintain on its Internet Web site, a link to order online the special interest license plates issued pursuant to this section.

Section § 5068.1

Explanation

By July 1, 2013, California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) was required to issue special decals for vehicles registered with veteran plates. These decals allow individuals to showcase their veteran status or honor veterans from specific wars or armed conflicts. This includes veterans who served during certain periods and campaigns recognized by the U.S. government.

Veterans can also choose a "yellow ribbon/support our troops" decal instead. Additionally, the DMV can stop offering specific decals if there isn't enough demand to justify maintaining them.

By July 1, 2013, the department shall do all of the following:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5068.1(a) Issue a distinctive decal pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 5068 to an applicant for an original or renewal of vehicle registration for veteran plates or plates honoring veterans to allow that applicant the option of recognizing his or her veteran status in, or honoring veterans of, a particular war or armed conflict, including, but not limited to, those who served in the active military, naval, or air service and performed any portion of their service during any of the periods described in Section 980 of the Military and Veterans Code, including active duty in a campaign or expedition for service in which a medal was authorized by the government of the United States.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5068.1(b) Make available to an applicant, upon request, a “yellow ribbon/support our troops” decal in lieu of the distinctive decal described in subdivision (a).
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5068.1(c) Eliminate from inventory any decals for which the department determines that demand is insufficient to maintain that inventory in a cost-effective manner.

Section § 5069

Explanation

This section explains that money collected from special fees, after covering associated costs, will go into the Veterans Service Office Fund. This fund is used as specified in another law.

Revenue derived from the additional special fees provided in Section 5068, less costs incurred by the department pursuant to this article, shall be deposited in the Veterans Service Office Fund, created by Section 972.2 of the Military and Veterans Code.

Section § 5072

Explanation

This law allows people to apply for special "Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids" license plates in California, which are distinguished by unique symbols like a heart or star within the license plate's sequence. These symbols are read as blanks in the sequence for processing purposes. Applicants can choose a department-assigned character sequence or create their own, with additional fees for specialized plates. The fees help fund child health and safety initiatives. Plates are permanent but can be transferred to new vehicles for a fee. The intent is to ensure the funds raised supplement, not replace, existing budget allocations for these causes.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(a) Any person described in Section 5101 may also apply for a set of “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” license plates, and the department shall issue those special license plates in lieu of the regular license plates. The “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” plates shall be distinct from other existing license plates by the inclusion of a well within the portion of the license plate that has the alpha-numeric sequence. The well may be placed in any position within that portion of the license plate. A heart shape, a five-pointed star, a hand shape, a plus-sign shape, shall be imprinted within the well itself. However, for purposes of processing the alpha-numeric sequence, the symbol within the well shall be read as a blank within the alpha-numeric sequence. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall cooperate with representatives of the California Highway Patrol and the Prison Industries Authority to design the final shape and dimension of the symbols for these license plates.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(b) An applicant for a license plate described in subdivision (a) may choose to either accept a license plate character sequence assigned by the department that includes one of the four symbols or request a specialized license plate character sequence determined by the applicant that includes one of the four symbols, in accordance with instructions which shall be provided by the department.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration, a renewal of registration, or a transfer of registration, the following “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” license plate fees shall be paid:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(1) Notwithstanding Section 5106, for those specialized license plates whose character sequence is determined by the license owner or applicant:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(1)(A) Fifty dollars ($50) for the initial issuance of the plates. These plates shall be permanent and shall not be required to be replaced.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(1)(B) Forty dollars ($40) for each renewal of registration which includes the continued display of the plates.
(C)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(1)(C) Fifteen dollars ($15) for transfer of the plates to another vehicle.
(D)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(1)(D) Thirty-five dollars ($35) for replacement plates, if the plates become damaged or unserviceable.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(2) For those specialized license plates whose character sequence is assigned by the department:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(2)(A) Twenty dollars ($20) for the initial issuance of the plates. These plates shall be permanent and shall not be required to be replaced.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(2)(B) The legally allowed fee for renewal plus fifteen dollars ($15) for each renewal of registration, which includes the continued display of the plates.
(C)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(2)(C) Fifteen dollars ($15) for transfer of the plates to another vehicle.
(D)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(c)(2)(D) Twenty dollars ($20) for replacement plates, if the plates become damaged or unserviceable.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(d) When payment of renewal fees is not required as specified in Section 4000, or when the person determines to retain the “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” license plates upon sale, trade, or other release of the vehicle upon which the plates have been displayed, the person shall notify the department and the person may retain the plates.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(e) The revenue derived from the additional special fees provided in this section, less costs incurred by the department, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement for developing and administering this license plate program pursuant to this section, shall be deposited in the Child Health and Safety Fund, created pursuant to Chapter 4.6 (commencing with Section 18285) of Part 6 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and, when appropriated by the Legislature shall be available for the purposes specified in that chapter.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 5072(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that the additional special fees specified in subdivision (e) are not used to replace existing appropriation levels in the 1991–92 Budget Act.

Section § 5074

Explanation

This law is called the Polanco-Bates License Plates for the Arts Act of 1993. It allows the California Arts Council to be part of a program where special interest license plates are issued featuring unique designs representing California. When someone gets these special plates, they pay extra fees: $50 for original issuance, $40 for renewal, and $15 for transferring to another vehicle. If an environmental plate with a design is chosen, additional fees also apply.

Most of the money from these fees goes into a fund used specifically for arts education and local arts programs, after subtracting administrative costs. The California Arts Council oversees how this money is spent, ensuring it supports the arts across the state.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Polanco-Bates License Plates for the Arts Act of 1993. The California Arts Council shall participate in the special interest license plate program.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(b) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration or renewal of registration, the following additional fees shall be paid for the issuance, transfer, or renewal of license plates bearing, notwithstanding Section 5060, a full-plate graphic design that depicts a significant feature or quality of the State of California, approved by the department in consultation with the California Arts Council:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(b)(1) For the original issuance of the plates, fifty dollars ($50).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(b)(2) For a renewal of registration of the plates, forty dollars ($40).
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(b)(3) For the transfer of the special plates to another vehicle, fifteen dollars ($15).
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(b)(4) In addition, for the issuance of an environmental license plate, as defined in Section 5103, with a full-plate graphic design, the additional fees prescribed in Sections 5106 and 5108. The additional fees prescribed in Sections 5106 and 5108 shall be deposited in the California Environmental License Plate Fund.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(c) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), all fees collected under this section, after deduction of the department’s costs in administering this section, shall be deposited in the Graphic Design License Plate Account, which is hereby established in the General Fund. The funds in the account shall be used by the California Arts Council, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for arts education and local arts programming.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 5074(d) The California Arts Council shall use the revenue derived from the fee increases authorized by amendment of this section during the 2003–04 Regular Session exclusively for arts education and local arts programming.

Section § 5075

Explanation

This law allows people to buy special license plates with a Lake Tahoe design, with extra fees applied to registration, renewal, and transfer of these plates. The issuance of these plates is coordinated with the California Tahoe Conservancy. Funds collected from these fees, after covering administrative costs, are directed to the Lake Tahoe Conservancy Account.

The money in this account is used for projects focused on preserving and restoring the Lake Tahoe area, and for developing nonmotorized traffic trails and pathways. Additional fees for certain graphic designs go specifically into the broader Environmental License Plate Fund.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(a) The department, in consultation with the California Tahoe Conservancy, shall design and make available for issuance pursuant to this article special environmental design license plates as described in this section. Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 5060, the special environmental design license plates shall bear a full-plate graphic design depicting a significant feature of Lake Tahoe. Any person described in Section 5101 may, upon payment of the additional fees set forth in subdivision (b), apply for and be issued a set of special environmental design license plates. Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 5060, the special environmental design license plates may be issued as environmental license plates, as defined in Section 5103.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(b) In addition to the regular fees for an original registration or renewal of registration, the following additional fees shall be paid for the issuance, renewal, or transfer of the special environmental design license plates authorized pursuant to this section:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(b)(1) For the original issuance of the plates, fifty dollars ($50).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(b)(2) For a renewal of registration with the plates, forty dollars ($40).
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(b)(3) For transfer of the plates to another vehicle, fifteen dollars ($15).
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(b)(4) For each substitute replacement plate, thirty-five dollars ($35).
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(b)(5) In addition, for the issuance of environmental license plates, as defined in Section 5103, with a full-plate graphic design described in subdivision (a), the additional fees prescribed in Sections 5106 and 5108. The additional fees prescribed in Sections 5106 and 5108 shall be deposited in the Environmental License Plate Fund.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 5075(c) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b), and after deducting its administrative costs under this section, the department shall deposit the additional revenue derived from the issuance, renewal, transfer, and substitution of special environmental design license plates in the Lake Tahoe Conservancy Account, which is hereby created in the California Environmental License Plate Fund. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the money in the account shall be allocated by the Controller to the California Tahoe Conservancy or its successor for expenditure for the exclusive trust purposes of preservation and restoration projects in the Lake Tahoe area and for the purpose of establishing and improving trails, pathways, and public access for nonmotorized traffic in that area.