California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) prohibits driving, moving, or leaving a vehicle standing on a public highway unless it is properly registered with the DMV and all applicable fees have been paid. An expired registration sticker is the most common trigger for this citation. While it is a non-point infraction, the fine can reach $280 or more after assessments, and courts may require proof of corrected registration before dismissing the case.
No person shall drive, move, or leave standing upon a highway, or in an offstreet public parking facility, any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole or pipe dolly, or logging dolly, unless it is registered and the appropriate fees have been paid under this code or the vehicle is expressly exempted from registration under this code.
Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 719, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Expired registration — standard
~$280
Non-point infraction; base fine and assessments vary by how long overdue.
Registration over 1 year expired
~$500+
Longer delinquency can increase DMV fees and court fine.
The fine for a VC 4000(a) citation depends on how long the registration has been expired and the county. After renewing registration with the DMV (including any delinquency fees), you may be able to present proof to the court to have the citation reduced or dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) requires every vehicle driven on a public highway to be currently registered with the DMV and all fees paid. A VC 4000(a) citation is issued when an officer observes that your registration is expired — typically identified by an outdated sticker on the license plate.
No. VC 4000(a) is a non-point infraction. A conviction does not add DMV points to your driving record.
Possibly. Courts often have discretion to dismiss or reduce a VC 4000(a) citation if you show proof that you have since renewed your registration. This is not automatic — you typically must appear or file documentation with the court — but renewing promptly is a strong first step.
The court fine for VC 4000(a) typically totals around $280 after assessments. Separately, the DMV will charge delinquency fees for the late renewal. The longer the registration has been expired, the higher both the DMV fees and the potential court fine.
Also frequently cited with
California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.
