California driver cited after displaying a homemade license plate

The California Highway Patrol wasn’t impressed by one driver’s attempt at creativity on the road.

On Oct. 10, the agency’s Merced office shared on Facebook that an officer stopped a Nissan Sentra after noticing “something unusual” about its rear license plate.

Instead of the typical California license plate, the driver had crafted a hand-drawn version complete with “California” lettering, the DMV’s website, and a registration sticker.

CHP said the driver earned “points for creativity” but still received a $197 fine citation for driving without valid plates, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Under California law, vehicles must display proper state-issued plates. Drivers can request replacements through the DMV for $27 if their plates are lost or stolen.

The CHP didn’t respond to KTLA’s request for comment.