CVC 4400 Violation Explained: How to Fix a Manufacturer Registration Ticket in California
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4400
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 4400?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4400
Common scenarios
- You bought a new car but didn’t realize you had to register it with the manufacturer separately. You get a ticket but then provide proof you completed registration within 30 days.
- You have a classic car that is exempt from some registration rules. The officer didn’t know this and gave you a ticket for CVC 4400.
- You recently moved to California and your vehicle’s manufacturer registration wasn’t updated yet. You show paperwork proving you were in the process of updating it.
Key facts
- Manufacturer Registration is Different from DMV Registration: Registering your vehicle with the manufacturer means notifying the car maker about your ownership, which helps with recalls and safety updates. This is separate from registering your car with the DMV.
- You Can Fix This Without Going to Court: If you show proof that you completed manufacturer registration after the ticket, many courts will dismiss or reduce the fine.
- Not All Vehicles Need Manufacturer Registration: Some vehicles, like certain antique or off-road vehicles, may be exempt. Check your vehicle type before assuming you broke the law.
Fine breakdown for CVC 4400
| 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 4400?
If you got a ticket for CVC 4400, it means you didn’t register your vehicle with the manufacturer as required by California law. This rule helps the state keep track of vehicles and make sure they meet safety and emissions standards.
Why does this matter?
Registering your vehicle with the manufacturer is important because it:
- Helps track recalls or safety issues
- Ensures your vehicle meets California rules
- Keeps your registration legal
If you missed this step, don’t worry. You can fix it and avoid bigger problems.
What to do next?
- Check if your vehicle is properly registered with the manufacturer.
- If not, contact the manufacturer or your dealer to complete registration.
- Keep proof of registration ready to show if you go to court or pay the ticket.
Remember, this ticket isn’t about your driving. It’s about paperwork. Fixing it quickly can save you time and money.
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 already registered the vehicle with the manufacturer but have proof that wasn’t presented to the officer.
Defense 2
The vehicle was recently purchased and you were still in the process of completing manufacturer registration.
Defense 3
The vehicle is exempt from manufacturer registration due to its type or use (like certain off-road or antique vehicles).
Defense 4
The officer made a mistake and cited the wrong code or misunderstood the registration status.
Defense 5
You were not the registered owner at the time of the citation and cannot be held responsible.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 4400 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 4400
What exactly is manufacturer registration?
It’s when you notify the car maker that you own the vehicle. This helps them contact you for recalls or safety info.
How do I register my vehicle with the manufacturer?
Usually, the dealer helps with this when you buy a new car. If you didn’t do it, contact the manufacturer’s customer service or check their website.
Can I fight this ticket if I didn’t know about manufacturer registration?
Yes. You can explain you were unaware and show proof you fixed the issue quickly. Courts often understand honest mistakes.
Will this ticket affect my driving record or insurance?
No. This violation is about paperwork, not how you drive. It won’t add points to your license or raise insurance rates.
What if I’m not the registered owner but got the ticket?
You can contest the ticket by proving you weren’t responsible for the vehicle at the time.