New Vehicle Registration Law Gives California Drivers a Break

Motorists get more time to pay their renewal fees. One aim is to reduce traffic stops for late renewal, which some see as a biased practice.

A California Highway Patrol officer stops a motorist in Anaheim, Calif., on April 23, 2020. Chris Carlson/AP Photo

Starting July 1, California drivers have two months to renew their vehicle’s registration without consequence, a move that lawmakers say will help drivers deal with “skyrocketing” renewal costs.

An additional goal is to limit police use of late renewal as a reason for traffic stops.