Vehicle lifts in California: the wheelchair carrier plate rule

Most states simply say the rear plate must stay visible, which leaves hitch-lift owners juggling plate brackets. California went further. Its Vehicle Code includes a specific accommodation for wheelchair lifts and wheelchair carriers that block the rear plate, as long as a few conditions are met.

Knowing those conditions before you choose a lift can save a lot of fiddling at the curb. Here is the text, what it requires, and lifts that suit California driving.

California's plate rules and the carrier exception

The general rule sits in Vehicle Code 5201(a): plates "shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from swinging, shall be mounted in a position so as to be clearly visible," and "The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground."

Subdivision (e)(1) then sets out the accommodation. It states that "It is the intent of the Legislature that an accommodation be made to persons with disabilities and to those persons who regularly transport persons with disabilities, to allow the removal and relocation of wheelchair lifts and wheelchair carriers without the necessity of removing and reattaching the vehicle's rear license plate." It is therefore "not a violation of this section if the reading or recognition of a rear license plate is obstructed or impaired by a wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier" when all of the requirements are met. In summary, those are:

• The vehicle owner has a special identification license plate under Section 5007, or the person whose wheelchair is carried "has been issued a distinguishing placard under Section 22511.55."
• The driver displays "a decal, designed and issued by the department, that contains the license plate number assigned to the vehicle transporting the wheelchair."
• The decal is on the rear window, "in a location determined by the department," so it is "clearly visible to law enforcement."

With the decal in place, 5201(e)(2) adds that "the requirements of this code that require the illumination of the license plate and the license plate number do not apply." The exception covers the rear plate only: "This subdivision does not apply to a front license plate" (5201(e)(4)). Ask the DMV how to get the decal.

Lamps when you do not use the exception

Without the decal, the usual lighting rules apply. Vehicle Code 24601 requires a lamp 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." Under Vehicle Code 24600(e), taillamps on vehicles made after January 1, 1969, "shall be plainly visible from all distances within 1,000 feet to the rear." A carrier that hides the taillamps is a separate issue from the plate, so check those too.

We did not find vehicle modification services described on the Department of Rehabilitation's employment services page, which lists "Rehabilitation assistive technology services and devices." If a lift is needed for work, ask a DOR counselor what the program can consider.

Lifts for California drivers

• Harmar AL560XL: an automatic hitch lift for power wheelchairs with a 30.75 x 38.5 in platform and 350 lb capacity, listed for rear, mid and front wheel drive chairs. It needs a Class III or greater hitch, and a license plate mount is included.
• Bruno VSL-6900 Curb-Sider: an inside hoist that stows the device in the vehicle, out of the weather, except in a pickup bed. A power telescoping head helps clear bumpers, with a max load rating of up to 400 lbs.
• Harmar AL010/050 Micro Outside Lift: for smaller scooters and power chairs up to 135 lb on a 25 x 33 in platform, with a license plate mount included. The AL010 suits most sedans and minivans; the AL050 also fits SUVs, trucks and vans.
• ComfyGO GO Lift: a portable lift on casters for raising a wheelchair or scooter into a trunk, lifting from 9.5 in to 32.8 in. ComfyGO says it is for flat, non-slippery surfaces, and the quick-release battery comes out for charging.

Heat, wind and wet winters on the road

NOAA's California State Climate Summary notes that "The 2015–2020 period saw the highest number of extremely hot days" on record, and that "Downslope winds, such as the Santa Ana winds of Southern California that can gust to 80 mph, are often associated with the most destructive wildfires." Winter is the wet season, when "atmospheric rivers" can cause "torrential rainfall."

For a hitch lift, that suggests a cover for long summer drives and for winter storms, and a habit of checking straps and securements after windy trips. If the device should stay out of the sun and rain at every stop, an inside hoist is the alternative, at the cost of some cargo space.

Ability Tools and borrowing equipment

California's Assistive Technology Act Program, Ability Tools, runs device lending and demonstration centers where borrowers "can try out devices prior to purchase, access a backup device while theirs is being repaired, or bridge the gap while waiting for a new device to arrive," with loans "for up to 30 days unless otherwise arranged" (Ability Tools DLDC page). The AT3 Center lists its FreedomTech Financial Loan Program as well.

Ordering a lift for California

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Orders ship to the lower 48 states and DC, free over $500 and $15 under $500, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. See shipping to California, then use the vehicle lift fit check with your vehicle and device details.

Questions about vehicle lifts in California

Can a wheelchair carrier cover my license plate in California?

Yes, if every condition in Vehicle Code 5201(e) is met: the owner has a special identification plate under Section 5007 or the wheelchair user has a placard under Section 22511.55, and a DMV-issued decal showing the plate number is displayed on the rear window where the department specifies. The exception covers the rear plate only.

Do I need a plate light if my carrier blocks the plate?

Not when the decal is displayed. Vehicle Code 5201(e)(2) says that with the decal, "the requirements of this code that require the illumination of the license plate and the license plate number do not apply." Without the decal, Vehicle Code 24601 requires a white light making the plate legible from 50 feet at night.

How high must the rear plate be in California?

Vehicle Code 5201(a) requires the rear plate to be "not less than 12 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground," securely fastened so it cannot swing and "clearly visible." If you move the plate onto a lift with a plate mount, measure it once the lift is fitted and loaded.

Inside hoist or hitch lift for a California car?

A hitch lift keeps the cargo area free but leaves the device outside in heat, wind and rain. An inside hoist such as the Bruno VSL-6900 stows the device in the vehicle, out of the weather, though Bruno notes it uses cargo and seating space. Your vehicle, hitch and device decide which works.

Can I try a wheelchair or scooter before choosing a lift?

Ability Tools runs device lending and demonstration centers in California, with loans for up to 30 days unless otherwise arranged. Trying the chair or scooter first helps confirm its size and weight, which are the numbers any lift has to handle.

Browse the vehicle lift collection, run the fit check, or begin the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• California Vehicle Code 5201
• California Vehicle Code 24601
• California Vehicle Code 24600
• California Department of Rehabilitation: Employment Services
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: California
• Ability Tools
• Ability Tools: Device Lending and Demonstration Centers
• AT3 Center: California
• Harmar AL560XL product page
• Bruno VSL-6900 product page
• Harmar AL010/050 product page
• ComfyGO GO Lift product page