Californians, Rejoice! (But Only Kind of)
If you're a California resident with a driver's license, chances are you've had a few run-ins with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). But did you know that even something as mundane as your car plate can become a bureaucratic nightmare?
For example, if you own a 1984 Olympic license plate – yes, you read that right – you're good to keep renewing them. However, don't expect them to be replenished anytime soon; those plates have been out of production for decades. If they are discontinued, there's no going back, but your existing plates will still be valid.
Now, here's a crucial one: if you buy a new car and roll it off the dealership's lot, you'll get fined by the authorities – even if you don't have two license plates on your vehicle! Some models, like Teslas, might not even display front plates. It seems counterintuitive, but that's just how the law rolls.
Insurance-wise, California drivers have a convenient option at their fingertips: mobile apps can serve as proof of insurance to police officers in case of a stop. Sounds like a lifesaver, right?
However, there are some caveats. If you want to keep your Real ID – an essential credential for domestic and international travel – make sure to opt for the Real ID option when renewing your license. Failure to do so will mean giving up that privilege altogether.
To get a Real ID, you can start online but must wrap things up with a visit to a DMV office. On the bright side, once you've got it, you won't need to provide additional paperwork unless you move – and even then, just your proof-of-residence documents will do.
A less glamorous aspect of California driving is exterior lights on civilian vehicles. Did you know that blue lights are off-limits? Only first responders get to sport those shades. Those caught violating the rule might receive a fine or, in extreme cases, an arrest – talk about a road rage situation!
Last but not least, if you're one of those drivers who's ever been scratching their head wondering why streetlights on highways seem either blazing bright or completely dark... it's probably because of copper thefts. Yes, that means the culprits are stealing our precious electrical infrastructure for some illicit gain.
So there you have it – a handful of surprising DMV facts to keep in mind if you're driving around the Golden State.
If you're a California resident with a driver's license, chances are you've had a few run-ins with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). But did you know that even something as mundane as your car plate can become a bureaucratic nightmare?
For example, if you own a 1984 Olympic license plate – yes, you read that right – you're good to keep renewing them. However, don't expect them to be replenished anytime soon; those plates have been out of production for decades. If they are discontinued, there's no going back, but your existing plates will still be valid.
Now, here's a crucial one: if you buy a new car and roll it off the dealership's lot, you'll get fined by the authorities – even if you don't have two license plates on your vehicle! Some models, like Teslas, might not even display front plates. It seems counterintuitive, but that's just how the law rolls.
Insurance-wise, California drivers have a convenient option at their fingertips: mobile apps can serve as proof of insurance to police officers in case of a stop. Sounds like a lifesaver, right?
However, there are some caveats. If you want to keep your Real ID – an essential credential for domestic and international travel – make sure to opt for the Real ID option when renewing your license. Failure to do so will mean giving up that privilege altogether.
To get a Real ID, you can start online but must wrap things up with a visit to a DMV office. On the bright side, once you've got it, you won't need to provide additional paperwork unless you move – and even then, just your proof-of-residence documents will do.
A less glamorous aspect of California driving is exterior lights on civilian vehicles. Did you know that blue lights are off-limits? Only first responders get to sport those shades. Those caught violating the rule might receive a fine or, in extreme cases, an arrest – talk about a road rage situation!
Last but not least, if you're one of those drivers who's ever been scratching their head wondering why streetlights on highways seem either blazing bright or completely dark... it's probably because of copper thefts. Yes, that means the culprits are stealing our precious electrical infrastructure for some illicit gain.
So there you have it – a handful of surprising DMV facts to keep in mind if you're driving around the Golden State.
i mean, who needs that much hassle with their car plates and insurance cards? it's like they're trying to test your patience 
but hey, at least they do have those cool real id options for when you wanna travel or whatever 
anyway, copper thefts on highways are super common now 
guess people just can't resist stealing our stuff 
So I was reading this article about California's DMV and I'm like 
, can't believe how much hassle they can make out of something as simple as a car plate! 
And don't even get me started on those blue lights 
, only first responders are allowed to rock that look. 
But what's even crazier is that some people are stealing copper from streetlights 
, like what's next? 
