CVC 4152 Late Registration Fees Ticket Help | California DMV Explained
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4152
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 4152?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4152
Common scenarios
- Maria mailed her registration renewal form a week before the deadline, but the DMV lost it. She got a late fee ticket. She can show her postmarked envelope as proof.
- James was hospitalized and couldn’t renew his registration on time. He has medical records to explain the delay.
- Samantha’s car was in long-term storage and not driven during the late registration period. She can prove the car was not on the road.
Key facts
- Late Fees Are Added Automatically: If you don’t renew your car registration by the due date, the DMV adds late fees to your bill. These fees increase the longer you wait.
- You Must Renew to Fix the Issue: Paying the ticket alone won’t fix your registration. You need to renew your vehicle registration to get legal again.
- You Can Challenge the Ticket with Proof: If you have evidence like mailed forms, medical emergencies, or DMV errors, you can fight the ticket in court.
Fine breakdown for CVC 4152
| 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 4152? Late Registration Fees Explained
If you got a ticket for CVC 4152, it means you were charged extra fees because your vehicle registration was late. In California, every car needs to be registered with the DMV every year. If you miss the deadline, the DMV adds late fees to your bill.
This ticket isn’t about speeding or reckless driving. It’s about paperwork and paying on time. That said, it can still be confusing and stressful.
Why does this happen?
- You didn’t renew your registration by the due date.
- You drove your car with expired registration.
- The DMV sent notices, but the registration wasn’t updated.
What should you know?
- Late fees can add up quickly.
- You still need to pay the registration fees plus the late fees.
- This ticket is a reminder to get your registration current.
Don’t panic. You can often fix this by renewing your registration and handling the fees. Sometimes, you can fight the ticket if you have a good reason.
What to do next?
- Check your registration status online or call the DMV.
- Renew your registration ASAP.
- Gather any proof if you tried to renew on time or had issues.
- Consider your defense options before court.
We’ll help you understand your options and how to respond to this ticket.
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
I renewed my registration on time, but the DMV didn’t process it correctly.
Defense 2
I was out of state or had a valid reason for the delay, like a medical emergency.
Defense 3
I mailed my renewal form before the deadline, but it got lost or delayed.
Defense 4
I was not driving the vehicle during the late period (e.g., it was in storage).
Defense 5
I had a DMV error or system glitch that caused the late fee to be charged unfairly.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 4152 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 4152
Can I just pay the late fee and ignore the ticket?
No. Paying the late fee is part of renewing your registration, but the ticket itself may still require a response or court appearance. Ignoring the ticket can lead to more penalties.
How do I check if my registration is expired?
You can check your registration status online at the California DMV website or call their customer service.
What if I didn’t get any DMV notices before the late fees?
Even if you didn’t get notices, you are responsible for renewing on time. However, you can mention this if you go to court—it might help your case.
Can I get a payment plan for the late fees?
The DMV sometimes offers payment plans for registration fees and late penalties. Contact them directly to ask about options.
Will this ticket affect my driving record or insurance?
Late registration fees don’t usually affect your driving record or insurance rates, but unpaid tickets can lead to holds on your vehicle or license.