8-character license plates in CA? Effort pushed by late Rep. LaMalfa moves ahead
A bill that would allow California motorists to use eight characters on personalized license plates — a policy change that had been supported by the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa — cleared its first legislative hurdle Monday, advancing out of the Assembly Transportation Committee.
Assembly Bill 1091, introduced last year by Assemblymember James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, would expand the state’s current seven-character limit and establish a new specialty plate program.
According to Gallagher’s office, revenue generated from the expanded personalization options would be directed toward open space preservation, agricultural land protection, county fairs and outdoor recreation programs.
Gallagher said the proposal continues a legislative effort long championed by LaMalfa, the long-serving north state lawmaker who died during emergency surgery on Jan. 6. LaMalfa, who was elected to seven terms in the House, first introduced similar legislation in 2012 while serving in the state Senate.
AB 1454 also sought to authorize eight-character vanity plates. Currently, license plates in California allow a maximum of seven letters or numbers.
Gallagher said in the news release that “Doug would always call me” about the license plate proposal. “He would call me and say when are they going to get that bill through.”
The measure next heads to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations for fiscal review.
