AB 2197 Summary

• Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to contract with a private industry partner to develop a temporary license plate system operational by January 1, 2016, enabling dealers and lessor-retailers to print temporary plates on weatherproof paper using standard laser printers at point of sale.

• Mandates vehicle dealers and lessor-retailers install temporary license plates on front and rear of vehicles sold without permanent plates, electronically recording plate numbers, vehicle identification, make, model, and owner information.

• Authorizes dealers and the DMV to impose fees for temporary license plate processing and allows temporary plates to be valid for up to 45 days with one possible 45-day renewal period.

• Makes failure to display temporary license plates an infraction punishable by base fines of $25 for first offense and $40 for subsequent offenses, and makes counterfeiting temporary license plates a felony punishable by 16 months to three years imprisonment.

• Establishes that all temporary license plate system requirements and related criminal penalties become effective January 1, 2016; declares no state reimbursement required for local law enforcement costs related to the new crime of counterfeiting temporary plates.