Tags or vehicle registration is what makes it legal for you to drive on the road, unlike a car title which is about assigning ownership of a vehicle. But what happens when you don’t pay your registration renewal on time?
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These days, it’s really easy to pay your tags when you get your renewal notice. Most states have their online systems, as well as title and registration companies like eTags that are born online, unlike the DMV. A few clicks on an app, and your tags are renewed. There’s no driving to a local county office, standing in line or waiting for your number to be called. You don’t have to miss work, or deal with any other hassle.
But let’s go back to the main question: can you get pulled over for expired tags? The unfortunate answer is YES! The silver lining is that it’s a non-moving violation such as illegal parking or a broken taillight. If your tags aren’t properly affixed to your license plate, you can get a ticket.
For example, an expired tag in California costs about $25, plus a penalty fee that can cost about 4 to 5 times that $25 fee. Even if your vehicle is not moving, occupied or in the middle of traffic, even if it’s legally parked, you can still get fined for expired tags. You can also get a ticket multiple times for tags not showing. And several citations can lead to jail time.
The specifics surrounding your penalty will depend on the traffic citation you get as well as the officer pulling you over. Some people even have to go to court for their expired tags. Even if they took care of their registration renewal. The DMV doesn’t relay those details to the court system, so make sure you still appear in court if you were asked to. Bring your proof of vehicle registration with you to avoid a misdemeanor for not appearing in court.
You’ll most likely not be seen by a judge, instead you’ll deal with a county clerk (at traffic court window). If you don’t go to court, you also risk compounded fees and even a hold on your driver’s license which means you’ll be driving with a suspended license.
If you wait too long and drive around with expired tags for over 6 months, you risk your car being impounded. In that case, you’ll have to contact DMV to clear records and make sure registration fines are paid. Your traffic citation can also become a moving violation which is typically reserved for speeding, running a red light, or a DUI.
If you need assistance handling expired tags in FL, CA, and Maryland, eTags can help in no time. There’s no extra paperwork; all you need is your VIN number or license plate number for your registration renewal.
10 comments
My car registration expired a year ago. Can I get a temporary registration/tags so I can move the vehicle? It won’t pass emissions and I’m just going to donate the vehicle. Can I just turn the tags in and the flag will be lifted?
eTags doesn’t provide temporary tags best to contact your local DMV since each state has various regulations especially in the case of how long you can use temporary license plates.
my car did not pass the emission test and did not have money for repairs so was not able to get tag renewal. I have moved to a county that does not require emission testing and would like to move my car there. How do i get a tag sticker for so I can use this car.
The first thing you want to do is change your address on file with the BMV. Once you’ve updated your license, simply place an order for renewal and you should be good to go! Here’s a link: Ohio registration renewal
Will your car be ticket for driving expire tag’s for One month
If you’re stopped by law enforcement, yes you may get a ticket. In FL, it can go up to $500.
I renewed my tags in FEBRUARY 2022. The tag agency cashed the check on FEB. 16,2022. I have not received my registration yet. What do I have to do to get my registration? I changed my address on the back of the form before I mailed it to you. Its all paid for, but I HAVE NOT received it in the mail.
Hello there, if you registered with eTags online. Check back on your status page, sent via email, to contact support with your order ID.
I would like to renew my tags on line. They expired the end of July
hi there, you can go here https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_question select your state, and follow prompts.