Those tacky dealer badges you see on some cars

You know how on cars from a lot of areas in the U.S., you’ll see an additional badge on the rear that says “Joe Blough’s Chevy”, or whatever. But I’ve never seen that from a California dealer. Why is this?

I indicated the reason in my subject line why I don’t like them myself, but tackiness usually isn’t a major objection here. So I’m curious why it isn’t done in California. Is there actually a law, or did the dealers all just mutually agree they wouldn’t do it?

I don’t have an answer to your OP, but here are some threads about the badges:

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=12759
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=5016

I don’t think it’s a law.

There’s a Volkswagon dealer in the S. Cal. area called McKenna. They don’t attach an acutal badge, but rather, they apply a sticker that says “McKenna” in some fancy cursive on the trunk.

But yeah, I know what you mean about the badges. I also find them detracting to the car, as well as dealer license plate frames. Having them remove the badge would be one of my requests if I ever purchased a car with it.

I’m not really sure why California dealers don’t apply them. I know most of them already add their name to your license plate frame. But, as for the badge? Maybe they think Californians value a decoration free car upon its purchase.