By Shawn Henry 
Merced cops got more than they bargained for during a routine traffic stop when they spotted a license plate that looked straight out of a kindergarten art class. Turns out, the driver lost the real deal and thought, “Why not DIY?” Cue a wobbly hand-drawn replica complete with scribbled numbers and that iconic red “California” banner up top.
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CHP shared the incident on social media, including a photo of the makeshift tag, saying officers gave the motorist “points for creativity” but reminded drivers that homemade plates are strictly illegal. “If you lose your plate, you can always request a replacement from the DMV — instead of breaking out the art supplies,” the agency wrote.
The internet, naturally, lost it. Some cracked up over the sheer audacity; others warned that this kind of MacGyver move could land you a ticket—or worse, a towed ride.
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California’s rules aren’t exactly fuzzy: plates gotta be real, front and back. Lose one? DMV’ll hook you up for peanuts. No word on whether this Picasso wannabe got fined, but CHP’s vibe was crystal clear: art school credit won’t save you from the law.
Fake plates pop up now and then, but this? This was next-level.
John 
Eve