When should license plates be surrendered according to registration procedures?

License plates should be surrendered in specific cases as outlined by Vehicle Code sections 4850 and 4850.5. These sections detail particular circumstances under which the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires the return of license plates. One of the most common reasons includes when a vehicle is no longer in use, has been totaled, or is being permanently removed from the road.

The laws ensure that the state has updated records regarding vehicle ownership and the status of license plates, which helps prevent misuse or fraud associated with unregistered vehicles. In contrast, surrendering plates solely upon selling a vehicle, changing insurance providers, or only at the DMV's request may not encompass all the legal obligations stipulated under the Vehicle Code. Following these procedures ensures compliance with the law and contributes to maintaining the integrity of vehicle registration in the state.