CVC 4150 Registration Fees Violation - What It Means & How to Fight It
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4150
Written by
Violation category
Registration & Tags
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 4150?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4150
Common scenarios
- Maria bought a used car but didn’t realize the previous owner hadn’t renewed the registration. She got a ticket but showed proof she started the renewal process right after buying the car.
- James forgot to pay his registration because he didn’t get the renewal notice in the mail. He paid the fees two days after the ticket and brought the receipt to court.
- Lena’s car was in the shop for repairs for over a month. She had filed a non-operational status with the DMV, but the officer didn’t check. She used that as her defense.
Key facts
- Registration Must Be Current: Your car registration needs to be renewed every year or two. Driving with expired registration is against the law.
- You Can Pay Late, But There May Be Penalties: Even if you pay after the due date, you might have to pay extra fees or fines.
- Proof Helps Your Case: Keep receipts or DMV documents showing you paid or tried to renew. This can help if you fight the ticket.
Fine breakdown for CVC 4150
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 4150?
This ticket means you didn’t pay your vehicle registration fees on time. In California, every car owner must pay registration fees to keep their car legally allowed on the road. If you don’t, the DMV can give you this ticket.
Why does this happen?
Usually, the DMV sends a renewal notice before your registration expires. If you miss it or don’t pay, your registration becomes expired. Driving with expired registration can get you this ticket.
What should you do now?
- Check your registration status online or with the DMV.
- Pay any overdue fees as soon as possible.
- Keep proof of payment handy in case you need to show it.
Getting this ticket can feel stressful, but you have options. Sometimes, you can fight it if you had a good reason for not paying on time. Read on to learn how to handle this ticket and what defenses might help you.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You paid your registration fees on time but the DMV’s system didn’t update yet.
Defense 2
You recently bought the vehicle and hadn’t received the registration notice yet.
Defense 3
You have proof you renewed your registration before the ticket date.
Defense 4
You were out of state or had a valid reason for the delay and tried to renew as soon as possible.
Defense 5
The vehicle was not being driven (e.g., stored or in repair) and you had a valid non-operational status filed with the DMV.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 4150 online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 4150
Can I drive my car if my registration is expired?
No, driving with expired registration is illegal in California and can get you this ticket.
What if I didn’t get a renewal notice from the DMV?
You’re still responsible for renewing on time. But you can explain this in court and show proof you paid as soon as you found out.
How do I check if my registration is expired?
You can check your registration status on the DMV website or call them directly.
Can I pay the fees and avoid the ticket?
Paying late fees won’t erase the ticket, but it can reduce penalties or help you avoid more trouble.
What if I’m not the registered owner of the car?
The registered owner is responsible for registration. If you’re not, you may need to contact the owner or DMV for help.