reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-6 - Alteration of license plates; operation of vehicle with altered or improperly transferred plate

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person who shall willfully mutilate, obliterate, deface, alter, change, or conceal any numeral, letter, character, county designation, or other marking of any license plate issued under the motor vehicle registration laws of this state; who shall knowingly operate a vehicle bearing a license plate on which any numeral, letter, character, county designation, or other marking has been willfully mutilated, obliterated, defaced, altered, changed, or concealed; or who shall knowingly operate a vehicle bearing a license plate issued for another vehicle and not properly transferred as provided by law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-6.1 - Obscuring license plate in order to impede surveillance equipment

Any person who willfully covers any license plate with plastic, other material, or any part of his or her body in order to prevent or impede the ability of surveillance equipment to clearly photograph or otherwise obtain a clear image of the license plate is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 138,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-7 - Removing or affixing license plate with intent to conceal or misrepresent

A person who removes a license plate from a vehicle or affixes to a vehicle a license plate not authorized by law for use on it, in either case with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of the vehicle or its owner, is guilty of a misdemeanor. As used in this Code section, "remove" includes deface or destroy.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-8.1 - Operation of vehicle without revalidation decal on license plate

Notwithstanding Code Section
40-2-8
or any other provision of law, a person who operates a vehicle which is required to be registered in this state and which has attached to the rear thereof a valid numbered license plate without having the required revalidation decal affixed upon that plate, which person is otherwise guilty of a misdemeanor for not having such decal affixed to the plate, shall be subject for that offense only to a fine not to exceed $25.00 if that person shows to the court having jurisdiction of the offense that the proper revalidation decal had been obtained prior to the time of the offense.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-9 - Space for county name decal; display of "In God We Trust" decal in lieu of county name decal

(a)
Any special, distinctive, or prestige license plate, except those provided for in Code Sections
40-2-61
,
40-2-62
,
40-2-74
,
40-2-82
, and
40-2-85.1
or as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, shall contain a space for a county name decal. The provisions of this chapter relative to county name decals shall be applicable to all such license plates.
(b)
The department shall make available to all license plates recipients a decal with the same dimensions as the county name decal that contains the words, "In God We Trust." The department shall provide such decal free of charge to any person requesting it. Such decal may be displayed in the space reserved for the county name decal in lieu of the county name decal.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 730,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 381,§ 2.1, eff. 1/1/2011.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-64, eff. 5/12/2010.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 727,§ 1, eff. 5/14/2008.
Renumbered from § 40-2-81 and amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 193, § 3, eff. 1/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-10 - Voluntary cancellation of vehicle registration

A vehicle registrant may voluntarily cancel the registration on a vehicle when such vehicle is not in use for any reason, including without limitation if the vehicle is stolen, repossessed but not redeemed by the registrant, junked, inoperable, in storage, used seasonally for agricultural or other purposes, or if the owner is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and is transferred to a duty station away from the location of the vehicle or is on active sea duty. A registration that has been voluntarily cancelled may be reinstated upon payment of all accrued ad valorem taxes and license fees, if any.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-11) › Section 40-2-11 - Administration of chapter

(a)
The commissioner shall be responsible for the administration of this chapter and may employ such clerical assistants and agents as may be necessary from time to time to enable the commissioner to speedily and efficiently perform the duties conferred on the commissioner in this chapter. The commissioner shall be authorized to delegate any administrative responsibility for retention of applications, certificates of registration, and any other forms or documents relating to the application and registration process to the appropriate authorized tag agent for the county in which the application is made or the registration is issued.
(b)
The commissioner shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications and all other notices and forms necessary to administer this chapter.
(c)
The commissioner may:
(1)
Perform any investigation necessary to procure information required to carry out this chapter; and
(2)
Adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations to administer this chapter.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 727,§ 2, eff. 5/14/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-22 - Application to local tag agents or commissioner

License plates and revalidation decals shall be issued only upon applications made to the local tag agent or the commissioner in accordance with the terms of this chapter.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-65, eff. 5/12/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-23 - County tax collectors and tax commissioners designated tag agents

(a)
The tax collectors of the various counties of this state and the tax commissioners of those counties in which the duties of the tax collector are performed by a tax commissioner shall be designated as tag agents of the commissioner for the purpose of accepting applications for the registration of vehicles. The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the purpose of delegating to such tag agents the custodial responsibility for properly receiving, processing, issuing, and storing motor vehicle titles or registrations, or both.
(b)
The duties and responsibilities of agents of the commissioner designated under this Code section shall be a part of the official duties and responsibilities of the county tax collectors and tax commissioners.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 607,§ I-1-1, eff. 3/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-24 - Bonds of tag agents

Each tag agent shall give bond conditioned as the commissioner may require, and in such amount as the commissioner may deem necessary and proper, not exceeding $250,000.00, to protect the state adequately. Such bond shall be executed by a surety corporation licensed to do business in the State of Georgia, as surety, and the premiums shall be paid by the department. The bond shall run to the Governor and his or her successors in office and shall be approved as to conditions, form, and sufficiency by the commissioner.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 68,§ 14-3, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-25 - Processing by private persons of applications for registration

(a)
The commissioner is authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations governing the processing by private persons, in any manner whatsoever, of applications for the registration of vehicles.
(b)
(1)
The tax commissioner of each county shall be authorized to require any private person processing applications for the registration of vehicles pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section to give an annual fidelity bond in the amount of $50,000.00 with good and sufficient surety or sureties licensed to do business in this state payable to, in favor of, and for the protection of either the payee, taxpayer, or the tax commissioner of the county in which such person processes such applications. Such bond shall be posted prior to the beginning of business operations each year and satisfactory proof of such bond shall be filed in the office of the tax commissioner requiring such bond prior to the beginning of business operations each year.
(2)
Any person who violates any provision of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 838, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-28 - Proof of ownership

(a)
Initial applications for registration shall contain such information of ownership as the commissioner shall deem proper, and no vehicle shall be registered unless the commissioner shall be satisfied that the applicant for registration is entitled to have the vehicle registered in his name. Proof of purchase at a judicial sale or previous registration in this state by the applicant may be accepted as evidence of ownership by the commissioner.
(b)
Applications for registration of vehicles brought into this state and previously registered in other states shall be accompanied by an affidavit from the motor vehicle registering official of that state, or other satisfactory evidence indicating that the applicant is the lawful owner of the vehicle, including the date, name, and address of the person from whom it was purchased.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-29 - Registration and license plate requirement; license fee to accompany application; temporary operating permit; penalties

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person purchasing or acquiring a vehicle shall register and obtain, or transfer, a license plate to operate such vehicle from the county tag agent in their county of residence no later than seven business days after the date of purchase or acquisition of the vehicle by presenting to the county tag agent the following:
(1)
If applicable, a motor vehicle certificate of title or an application therefor as provided in Chapter 3 of this title;
(2)
Satisfactory proof of owner's insurance coverage as provided for in subsection (d) of Code Section
40-2-26
;
(3)
If applicable, satisfactory proof of compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 9 of Title 12, the "Georgia Motor Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance Act"; and
(4)
Satisfactory proof that all fees, permits, and taxes have been paid.
(b)
An application for registration shall be accompanied by check; cash; certified or cashier's check; bank, postal, or express money order; or other similar bankable paper for the required fee or any taxes required by law.
(c)
Upon application for renewal of a vehicle registration, a person unable to fully comply with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall receive a temporary operating permit that shall be valid for 30 days.
(d)
The commissioner may provide by rule or regulation for one 30 day extension of the initial registration period which may be granted by the county tag agent if the transferor has not provided such purchaser or other transferee owner with a title to the motor vehicle more than five business days prior to the expiration of such initial registration period. The county tag agent shall grant an extension of the initial registration period when the transferor, purchaser, or transferee can demonstrate by affidavit in a form provided by the commissioner that title has not been provided to the purchaser or transferee due to the failure of a security interest holder or lienholder to timely release a security interest or lien in accordance with Code Section
40-3-56
.
(e)
A conviction for displaying a license plate or temporary operating permit not provided for in this chapter shall be punished as a misdemeanor.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 270,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 367,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 33,§ 40, eff. 4/24/2013.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 381,§ 4, eff. 1/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-30 - Purchase by mail

An applicant may purchase a vehicle license plate or revalidation decal by mail, by mailing a properly completed application form to the tag agent of the county of his or her residence along with a bank check or money order in the amount of the license fee and all ad valorem taxes due thereon plus an additional fee of $1.00.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-66, eff. 5/12/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-31.1 - [Expires Effective 1/1/2032] [Issuance of license plates commemorating United States of America's semiquincentennial]

In coordination with the Department of Education, the department shall establish parameters for the design of and a selection process for a license plate which commemorates the United States of America's semiquincentennial. The design of such plate shall be selected from designs submitted by students in grades six through eight as part of a civics education and engagement program which shall include feedback from the Georgia Commission on Civics Education, Georgia Center for Civic Engagement, Georgia Historical Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 480,§ 2, eff. 4/23/2024, exp. 1/1/2032.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-32 - [Reserved] Commemoration of college or university

Reserved by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-74, eff. 5/12/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-32.1 - [Repealed] Commemorative license plates for Georgia organizations; promotional agreements; fees

Repealed by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-75, eff. 5/12/2010.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 947,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-34 - Reports and remittances by tag agents

(a)
All county tag agents accepting license applications shall endeavor to submit to the commissioner on at least a weekly basis reports of license applications handled and remit with such reports related sums of money to which the state is entitled. All tag reports of license applications handled and related sums of money to which the state is entitled must be submitted to the commissioner within seven calendar days from the close of the business week during which the aforementioned license applications were handled and related sums of money received. The term "business week" shall mean Monday through Friday (or Saturday if applicable).
(b)
Funds received as a result of the handling of license applications shall be considered trust funds in the hands of such tag agents until such time as paid over to the commissioner.
(c)
Failure to submit the reports or remit the funds within the period required by this Code section shall result in the penalties imposed by Code Section
48-2-44
.
(d)
Before the expiration of the time period within which a tag report is required to be filed with the commissioner or related funds remitted to the commissioner, application may be made to the commissioner for an extension. The commissioner shall be authorized, upon a showing of justifiable cause, to grant up to a 30 day extension from the deadline provided for the performance of the above duties. Only one such extension may be granted with regard to any reports or funds due the commissioner for a specific business week.
(e)
Proof of mailing within the appropriate time periods provided for in this Code section, as evidenced by a United States Postal Service postmark, shall be prima-facie proof that the county tag agent has complied in a timely manner with the duties enumerated by this Code section.
(f)
All funds derived from motor vehicle registrations or the sale of any license plates and remitted to the state shall be deposited in the general fund of the state treasury unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Constitution and provided for in this chapter.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 947,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2007.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 364, § 3-1, eff. 1/1/2002, or on such date thereafter as this section, as amended by an Act approved April 28, 2000 (Ga. L. 2000, p. 951), becomes fully effective pursuant to Section 13-1 of that 2000 Act, whichever is later.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-35 - Commissioner to have license plates and decals by December 1

The commissioner shall have in his possession on or before December 1 of each year, for distribution, the license plates and revalidation decals provided for in this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-36 - Commissioner to furnish license plates and decals to tag agents; inventories and affidavits of missing plates; sale of plates for vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds

(a)
The commissioner shall furnish to each tag agent such number of motor vehicle license plates, revalidation decals, and decals as he may deem necessary for issuance by such agent, together with such forms and other supplies as are necessary to enable such agent to perform the duties required of him by this chapter.
(b)
The county tag agent shall, immediately upon receipt of the motor vehicle license plates from the commissioner, take a full and complete inventory of the arriving shipment of license plates for motor vehicles over 26,000 pounds. The affidavit of lost or missing plates which the county tag agents are required to file with the commissioner shall be filed within ten days of the county tag agents' receipt of the license plates for motor vehicles over 26,000 pounds in weight. Failure to submit the required affidavit within ten days shall result in a denial of credit for any lost or missing license plates and the receiving county shall be responsible for full payment of said license plates.
(c)
The county is responsible for providing a secure storage area for all license plates and revalidation decals.
(d)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, should a county desire to maintain an inventory of license plates for vehicles weighing in excess of 26,000 pounds and sell said license plates for vehicles weighing in excess of 26,000 pounds, the county shall first request permission in writing from the commissioner. Permission shall be granted at the discretion of the commissioner and, once granted, the permission may be revoked should the county fail to file tag and title reports with the commissioner in a timely and proper manner and fail to remit to the commissioner in a timely manner sums of money collected.
(e)
The commissioner shall prescribe such reasonable rules and regulations as in his discretion may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-40 - Registration of delinquent vehicles; collection and disposition of penalties

(a)
The owner of a vehicle required to be registered under Code Section
40-2-20
which was registered for the previous year, who has failed to comply with Code Section
40-2-20
for the current year shall be deemed and held to be a delinquent under this Code section; and the registration of such vehicle shall, after the expiration of the owner's registration period, be subject to a penalty of 25 percent of the registration fee for such vehicle in addition to the fee provided by law, provided that such penalty shall in no event be levied prior to the expiration of the owner's registration period, notwithstanding that the owner failed to register such vehicle within an initial registration period.
(b)
All applications for the registration of a delinquent vehicle shall, before being accepted by a tag agent, be first endorsed by a sheriff or a deputy sheriff, a chief of police or his or her designated representative, a state law enforcement officer, a tax commissioner, or a tax collector. The officer endorsing the delinquent application shall indicate, with his or her endorsement on the application, the total amount of the prescribed registration fee together with the 25 percent penalty provided in this Code section, and the full total of such amount shall be paid to the tag agent before any license plate or revalidation decal as provided for in this chapter shall be assigned to the applicant.
(c)
All penalties assessed under this Code section shall be accredited in the office of the tag agent when received in the name of the officer making the endorsement, without regard to the residence of the applicant, whether such penalty is received through the exercise of such officer's authority as an arresting officer or through appearance of the applicant at his office for proper endorsement on an application.
(d)
Between the first and fifth days of each calendar month, the tag agent shall remit to the respective fiscal authorities of the counties or cities employing the endorsing officers the full amount of such penalties accredited to such officers during and for the preceding calendar month. All sums accredited to state law enforcement officers shall be paid to the fiscal authorities of the county where the vehicle is registered.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 68,§ 14-3.1, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 2, § 40, eff. 2/12/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-41 - Display of license plates

Unless otherwise permitted under this chapter, every vehicle required to be registered under this chapter, which is in use upon the highways, shall at all times display the license plate issued to the owner for such vehicle, and the plate shall be fastened to the rear of the vehicle in a position so as not to swing and shall be at all times plainly visible. No person shall display on the rear of a motor vehicle any temporary or permanent plate or tag not issued by the State of Georgia which is intended to resemble a license plate which is issued by the State of Georgia. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules and regulations so as to permit the display of a license plate on the front of certain vehicles. It shall be the duty of the operator of any vehicle to keep the license plate legible at all times. No license plate shall be covered with any material unless the material is colorless and transparent. No apparatus that obstructs or hinders the clear display and legibility of a license plate shall be attached to the rear of any motor vehicle required to be registered in the state. Any person who violates any provision of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-41.1 - Authentic historical Georgia license plates

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "authentic historical Georgia license plate" means a license plate originally issued in the year 1989 or earlier and originally required to be displayed on motor vehicles operated upon the streets and highways of this state in the year 1989 or earlier pursuant to former motor vehicle registration laws of this state.
(b)
The owner of any antique motor vehicle manufactured in 1989 or earlier shall be authorized to display in lieu of and in the same manner as the license plate otherwise required under Code Section
40-2-41
an authentic historical license plate which clearly represents the model year within four years of any such antique motor vehicle, provided that the owner has properly registered such antique motor vehicle for the current year as otherwise required under this chapter and has obtained a current license plate or revalidation decal for such antique motor vehicle. Such currently valid license plate shall be kept in such antique motor vehicle at all times but need not be displayed in a manner to be visible from outside the vehicle.
(c)
For purposes of this Code section, the authentic historical license plate shall be furnished by the owner of any such antique motor vehicle.
(d)
No later than January 1, 2006, the commissioner shall have installed within the department's computer information system applicable to the registration of motor vehicles the necessary program which will include in the information relating to the current license plate or revalidation decal issued for an antique motor vehicle the information relating to the authentic historical license plate authorized to be displayed on such antique motor vehicle.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 701,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 368,§ 1, eff. 5/3/2018.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 110,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 462, § 40, eff. 4/18/2002.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 308, §2, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-42 - Transfer of license plates and revalidation decals

(a)
A license plate or revalidation decal, when issued, shall be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle of the same class acquired by the same person as provided in this chapter. Any use of a license plate or revalidation decal by any other person or persons in any manner not provided for in this chapter shall be a violation of this chapter.
(b)
The commissioner shall provide by rules and regulations appropriate procedures whereby, upon the payment of a fee of $5.00, and, upon preparation and filing of an appropriate application therefor, currently valid annual and five-year license plates and revalidation decals shall be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle of the same class of which ownership is acquired following that person's or those persons' ceasing to own or operate on the public roads the vehicle for which such plate was originally issued and during the initial registration period for the acquired vehicle. If such acquired vehicle is of a different class than the vehicle no longer owned or operated by such person, he or she shall submit the license plate currently issued to him or her for cancellation and, upon payment of any additional fee for registering such acquired vehicle, the commissioner shall issue a new license plate to such person for use on such acquired vehicle. License plates and revalidation decals may be transferred in accordance with the provisions of this subsection at any time after issuance or renewal thereof and until the expiration of the period for which issued.
(c)
The commissioner shall provide appropriate procedures whereby, when the registered owner of a jointly owned motor vehicle is deceased, the license plate issued for the motor vehicle may, upon appropriate application and payment of fees, be transferred to the surviving owner's name, provided that the surviving owner acquires a new certificate of title under subsection (d) or paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Code Section
40-3-34
and makes the payment of appropriate ad valorem taxes.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-43 - Certificate of registration; replacement of lost registration certificate; issuing of duplicates

(a)
Upon an applicant's compliance with all laws relevant to the registration of his vehicle, the appropriate licensing authority shall issue to such applicant a certificate of registration for his vehicle. If a registration certificate issued under this chapter is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed or becomes illegible, the registered owner shall promptly make application for a duplicate registration certificate to the commissioner. The commissioner, upon receipt of an application and a fee of $1.00, shall issue the registered owner a duplicate registration certificate. If the application for a duplicate registration certificate is submitted to the same county that issued the current certificate of registration, the county tag agent may issue the duplicate registration certificate and may retain the application fee as compensation for issuing such duplicate certificate of registration.
(b)
Any dealer or owner of a vehicle may apply to the commissioner or any county tag agent for a duplicate of the last registration certificate issued to the previous or current owner for that vehicle. The commissioner or county tag agent, upon receipt of an application and a fee of $1.00, shall provide the duplicate registration certificate.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-45 - Transferring license plate or revalidation decal for "salvage", "rebuilt", damaged, or demolished motor vehicles

(a)
No person shall transfer a license plate or decal from one vehicle to any other motor vehicle which is a "salvage" or "rebuilt" motor vehicle as provided in Chapter 3 of this title unless the owner of such vehicle submits satisfactory proof to the commissioner that the motor vehicle inspection required by Code Section
40-3-37
has been performed and such vehicle has been determined to be in full compliance with the law.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, if a vehicle is damaged, scrapped, dismantled, or demolished and transferred to an insurance company or licensed rebuilder and the transferor of such vehicle has a current, unexpired license plate and registration issued therefor, such license plate shall be transferred to another vehicle acquired by such transferor according to the provisions of Code Section
40-2-42
or
40-2-80
, as applicable.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-47 - Permanent registration and license plates for certain trailers; "leased or rented trailer" defined

(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the owner of any trailer, including:
(1)
Any leased or rented trailer and including single pole and twin-beam trailers and other trailers used in commercial logging or commercial trailers used for the hauling of unprocessed farm products used as or in connection with a motor vehicle, truck, or tractor used as a common or contract carrier for hire, a private carrier, or a motor carrier of property; or
(2)
Any boat trailer, utility trailer, or noncommercial cattle and livestock trailer,
shall have the option of obtaining a permanent registration and license plate for such trailer, in lieu of an annual registration and license plate, upon the payment of the one-time fee specified in Code Section
40-2-151
and compliance with the provisions of this Code section.
(b)
The certificate of registration and license plate issued for a specific trailer under this Code section shall continue to be valid for the duration of the owner's interest in such trailer. No registration or license plate issued for any trailer under this Code section shall be transferred for any reason and a new registration and license plate shall be required when ownership of the trailer is transferred to a new owner. The payment of the fee for a permanent registration and license plate shall be in addition to and not in lieu of the payment of annual ad valorem taxes on such trailer during the period of December 1 to February 15.
(c)
As used in this Code section, the term "leased or rented trailer" means any utility trailer that is owned by and leased or rented out by a person, firm, or corporation in the business of leasing or renting out such trailers.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 101,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2010.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 898, § 5, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-48 - through 40-2-49.1 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Ga. L. 2006, p. 1094, §§ 3-5, effective January 1, 2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-49.2 - [Repealed] License plates promoting the conservation of wildflowers

Repealed by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-75, eff. 5/12/2010.
Added by 2001 Ga. Laws 308, § 3, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING GENERALLY (§§ 40-2-20 — 40-2-49.3) › Section 40-2-49.3 - [Repealed] License plates promoting dog and cat reproductive sterilization support programs

Repealed by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-75, eff. 5/12/2010.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 943, § 2, eff. 1/1/2003, subject to approval at the November, 2002 general election.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2A - FLEET VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-50 — 40-2-55) › Section 40-2-50 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
'Fleet' means 100 or more motor vehicles or trailers.
(2)
"Fleet registration plan" means the method of registering the motor vehicles of a fleet as provided in this article.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 406,§ 4, eff. 4/22/2024.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 434,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2A - FLEET VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-50 — 40-2-55) › Section 40-2-51 - Fleet enrollment

(a)
A corporation or firm which has an established place of business in this state or which is controlled by a parent corporation which has an established place of business in this state and which owns or operates under a lease agreement a fleet which is not required to be registered under the International Registration Plan in accordance with Article 3A of this chapter may enroll in the fleet registration plan and register and obtain licenses to operate the motor vehicles in such fleet as provided in this article.
(b)
(1)
Applications for enrollment of a fleet under the fleet registration plan may be submitted to the department in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.
(2)
An applicant for enrollment of a fleet under the fleet registration plan shall pay a fleet enrollment fee of $50.00 for initial enrollment of the fleet.
(3)
If the department determines that the applicant is eligible for fleet registration and proper application has been made, the department shall enroll the fleet, indicate the amount of license fees due for the fleet, and assign a unique registration account number to the applicant.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 434,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2A - FLEET VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-50 — 40-2-55) › Section 40-2-52 - Registration and licensing of fleet motor vehicles

(a)
Within 30 days of receipt of a validated fleet enrollment form, the owner or operator of the enrolled fleet shall register and obtain licenses to operate the motor vehicles by submitting properly completed certificates of title for each vehicle in a fleet and any supporting documents required by the commissioner. The owner or operator of the enrolled fleet which acquires a vehicle after approval of fleet enrollment shall submit the properly completed certificates of title and required supporting documentation for any additional vehicles within 30 days from the date of acquisition of such vehicle.
(b)
All certificates of title by the owner or operator of an enrolled fleet required under this article shall be submitted to the department electronically and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.
(c)
Any applicable state and local title and ad valorem taxes required pursuant to Code Section
48-5C-1
shall be paid for any new motor vehicle to be included in an enrolled fleet.
(d)
The provisions of Article 2 of this chapter for registering and licensing motor vehicles generally which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this article shall apply to the registration and licensing of each vehicle of an enrolled fleet.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 434,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2A - FLEET VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-50 — 40-2-55) › Section 40-2-53 - License plates for fleet motor vehicles

(a)
Upon electronic submission of all applicable requirements of this article, the department shall send notification of such to the county tag agent. Upon receipt of such notification from the department, the county tag agent shall issue to the applicant a fleet motor vehicle license plate for each vehicle of the fleet to be registered and licensed in such county.
(b)
Fleet motor vehicle license plates shall be similar in design to regular license plates issued under Code Section
40-2-31
, except that such fleet motor vehicle license plates shall contain such words or symbols, in addition to the numbers and letters otherwise prescribed by law, so as to distinctively identify the motor vehicles on which they are placed as fleet motor vehicles. Such motor vehicle license plates shall contain the word "FLEET" in the location of and in lieu of the revalidation decal required under Code Section
40-2-8
so as to distinctly identify the motor vehicle as part of an enrolled fleet.
(c)
License plates issued under this Code section shall be renewed annually upon payment of a renewal fee to the department. Such fee shall be the same amount that would be charged for a revalidation decal for such vehicle.
(d)
License plates issued under this Code section may be transferred between vehicles of the same class upon electronic submission to the department of the information required under Code Section
40-2-51
for any vehicle added to an enrolled fleet and the payment of the required registration fees for such additional vehicle.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 434,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2A - FLEET VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-50 — 40-2-55) › Section 40-2-54 - Audits; regulatory authority

(a)
The department or its designated agent may perform an audit of any fleet registrant to ensure compliance with the requirements of this article which may include, without limitation, examination of records of all vehicles in a fleet, additions to or deletions from a fleet since the most recent such audit, and proof of proper payment of or exemption from ad valorem taxes on fleet vehicles.
(b)
The department is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as the department shall find necessary to implement the provisions of this article.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 434,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2A - FLEET VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-50 — 40-2-55) › Section 40-2-55 - Termination of participation in fleet registration plan

An enrollment of a fleet in the fleet registration plan shall be terminated by the department in the event:
(1)
The department determines on the basis of an audit that fees for registration and licensing are not paid as required for 5 percent or more of the total vehicles in the fleet which are registered in this state;
(2)
Of the conviction of the fleet registrant for any unlawful use of any license plate issued for a fleet vehicle;
(3)
Of the failure of the fleet registrant to pay title and ad valorem taxes as required for any fleet vehicle; or
(4)
Of the failure of the fleet registrant to pay enrollment fees as required.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 434,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2B - [DIGITAL LICENSE PLATES] (§§ 40-2-57 — 40-2-59.3) › Section 40-2-57 - Application for digital license plate; renewals; fees

(a)
Any county tag agent with a satisfactory application for registration pursuant to Code Section
40-2-26
which indicates preference for a digital license plate shall inform the commissioner of such request. Upon a request by a digital license plate provider, the department shall transmit any required data to be displayed upon a digital license plate for an applicant to the digital license plate provider. A county tag agent shall ensure an applicant complies with the requirements for registration pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
A motor vehicle owner with a digital license plate shall renew the registration annually as provided by this chapter. The department shall notify the digital license plate provider upon satisfactory renewal. Evidence of such renewal shall be displayed upon the digital license plate in a manner that indicates the year and month through which the registration of the vehicle shall be valid. Compliance with this subsection shall satisfy the revalidation decal requirements of this chapter.
(c)
A digital license plate provider shall be authorized to collect fees for the provision of digital license plate hardware and for services to such license plate. Such fees may include the cost for the manufacture of the digital license plate, the installation of the digital license plate, and any service or repair plan an applicant may elect to purchase.
(d)
Except as provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section, nothing in this article shall exempt an applicant for a digital license plate from the requirements of Code Sections
40-2-8
and
40-2-20
.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 134,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 2 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 40-2-1 — 40-2-168) › Article 2B - [DIGITAL LICENSE PLATES] (§§ 40-2-57 — 40-2-59.3) › Section 40-2-58 - Duties and privileges of digital license plate providers

(a)
A digital license plate provider shall maintain an inventory of digital license plates in an amount determined to be adequate by the commissioner.
(b)
The commissioner shall enter in agreements with any digital license plate provider that has been selected by the state to manufacture digital license plates for the State of Georgia. Such agreements shall grant a selected digital license plate provider the authorization to utilize any copyright or copyrights for special license plates as permitted under Code Sections
40-2-60.1
,
40-2-86
, and
40-2-86.1
.
(c)
Upon notice from the commissioner of a cancelled or revoked registration, a digital license plate provider shall terminate the electronic data transmitted to a digital license plate for such vehicle.
(d)
Upon express written consent of a vehicle owner, a digital license plate provider shall be authorized to collect and disseminate data relating to the location of a motor vehicle in accordance with the terms of any such agreement.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 134,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2021.