What penalties could I face if I fail to register my car and get a driver's license after moving to CA?

Question

I am moving to CA for a one-year internship required by my graduate school program (which is in another state). I am paid (though not much) for this internship and therefore am considered employed in CA. The laws would indicate that I need to register my car and get a driver's license within like 10 or 20 days of moving here. If I do not do this, what penalties could I face? Is there anyway for them to know WHEN I moved here? For example, if: 1) I end up getting stopped for a traffic violation or 2) I end up staying in CA beyond this one year and go to register at a later date, is there anyway for them to know that I should have already registered my vehicle, etc.?? If so, what would the fines be for not having done so within the required time period?

Answer 1

If there were a major accident, then during the discovery process you would be questioned about everything.  Your insurance company could, for example, ask you for pay stubs or other records.  Insurance companies LOVE to deny claims because you were driving unlicensed or unregistered.