When it comes to selling a vehicle in California, one may ponder the implications of leaving the license plates affixed to the car. Is it prudent to remove the license plates prior to finalizing the transaction? What are the potential ramifications associated with this decision? Considering the intricacies involved in the transfer of ownership, one must weigh the legalities surrounding license plate retention and disposal. Moreover, could keeping the plates lead to unintended liabilities, or might it complicate the new owner’s registration process? Could removing the license plates serve as a precautionary measure to safeguard against identity theft or other forms of misuse? Is there a best practice that seasoned sellers adhere to in this regard? Given the variations in regulations across jurisdictions, what are the specific laws in California that govern this aspect of vehicle sales? These are crucial inquiries worth examining before making a final decision about maintaining or removing the license plates during the selling process.