Vehicle Code section 24601

Either the taillamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear license plate during darkness and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. When the rear license plate is illuminated by a lamp other than a required taillamp, the two lamps shall be turned on or off only by the same control switch at all times.

Source: Section 24601, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=24601.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1965; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 30, 2025

§ 24601's source at ca​.gov