California § 38170 - Every off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification shall have displayed up
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 38170 — Every off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification shall have displayed up, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38170. Every off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification shall have displayed up
(a) Every off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification shall have displayed upon it the identification number assigned to the vehicle for which it is issued, together with the word âCaliforniaâ or the abbreviation âCALâ and the year number for which it is issued or a suitable device issued by the department for validation purposes, which device shall contain the year for which it is issued. (b) The identification plate or device shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle for which it is issued and shall be mounted or affixed in a position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible. No covering shall be used on the identification plate or device. (c) All identification plates or devices issued on or after January 1, 1996, shall be displayed as follows: (1) On the left fork leg of a motorcycle, either horizontal or vertical, and shall be visible from the left side of the motorcycle. (2) On the left quadrant of the metal frame member of sand rails, rail-type buggies, and dune buggies, visible from the rear of the vehicle. (3) On the left rear quadrant on permanent plastic or metal frame members of all-terrain vehicles, visible to outside inspections. (4) On the left tunnel on the back quadrant of snowmobiles.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 38170
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 38170 cover?
Section 38170 ("Every off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification shall have displayed up") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 38170?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 38170" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 38170 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.