Overview

• A California Highway Patrol officer in Merced pulled over a vehicle after spotting a handmade rear license plate.
• The driver reported the original plate was lost, according to the CHP’s account of the stop.
• CHP shared the incident on social media and said it would give the driver "points for creativity."
• Authorities reiterated that California law requires vehicles to display only state‑issued license plates.
• Officials advised drivers to obtain replacements through the DMV, and local reports did not cite further enforcement details.