California Car / Permit practice question · Traffic Laws
Operating a vehicle with a license plate that is illegible or has been altered is:
Answer choices
- Illegal— Correct answer
- Allowed if the plate is only slightly dirty
- Allowed for the first 30 days after a collision
- A civil matter with no traffic penalty
Why this is the answer
You may not drive a vehicle with an illegible license plate, and you may not alter a license plate in any way. Either one makes driving the vehicle illegal in California, so the idea that it is allowed in some cases is wrong. Keep your plate readable and unchanged.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Other Roadway Requirements
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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