ChrisH,
The only time you get to drive a vehicle without plates in CA is when the car is new from the dealership. It requires a copy of the new registration posted in the front window. See picture and notice the white paper taped just above windshield wiper. I'd bet Martin will not put on plate until required. I had heard 90 days... but this is what I found from:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk_pdf/ch02.pdf
"Purchaser’s Temporary Identification Copy (bottom portion of the original)—For customer privacy, fold the purchaser’s copy so that only the preprinted number and vehicle descriptive information shows and display it in the lower rear window. If the information will be obscured, place it in the lower right corner of the windshield or on the lower right side of a side window. For trailers, display in the same manner in the towing vehicle. This authorizes operation of the vehicle until the buyer receives the license plates and registration card."
Further reading I caught this...
2.035Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) (R&TC §10759.5)
A reduced vehicle license fee (VLF) based on a modified sales price is assessed on new, light duty (up to 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight), alternative fuel vehicles. The California Energy Commission (CEC) defines AFVs and provides dealers with the instructions for calculating the modified VLF. The law requires dealers to:
•Determine the reduced VLF by deducting the amount credited to the AFV.
2.035Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) (R&TC §10759.5), continued
•State the actual incremental cost in the sales or lease contract for the buyer.
•Report the incremental cost to the CEC on a quarterly basis.
Registration Requirements—The registration requirements are:
•Complete the Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397) as usual, except show the modified cost of the vehicle in the Certificate of Cost section.
•Submit a Statement of Facts (REG 256) with the REG 397 showing:
—The fee breakdown for the cost of a comparable conventional (gas or diesel) vehicle and the incremental cost of an AFV.
—The actual incremental cost of an AFV. (The incremental cost is the difference between the AFV and the most comparable conventional vehicle. The cost difference is deducted for calculation of the VLF.)
—How the final cost was determined.
•Enter the modified sales price on the REG 397 and note “S/F attached.” (The REG 397 will not be revised for this purpose.)
•Determine the VLF due by deducting the amount credited to the AFV.
•Collect the reduced VLF from the buyer.
NOTE: Retain a copy of the REG 256 with the dealer’s copy of the REG 397.
NOTE: Sales tax is assessed on the actual full selling price.
I hope Martin gets some discount on his registration. If I read above corrrect it could be the difference between the Tesla roadster and a comparable conventional (Elise?).
Another BIG CONGRATS to Martin!