What Happens If You Get Pulled Over With Expired Tags?
Learn what to expect during a traffic stop for expired tags, including legal steps, penalties, and how to handle the situation responsibly.
Getting pulled over for expired tags may seem minor, but it can lead to consequences beyond a simple warning. State vehicle registration laws are enforced, and letting coverage lapse can affect driving records and finances.
Understanding the process and potential penalties following such a traffic stop is crucial.
Police Stop Protocol
An officer noticing expired registration tags generally has legal justification to initiate a traffic stop. The officer will signal the driver to pull over. Drivers should pull over safely, turn off the engine, turn on interior lights if dark, and keep hands visible on the steering wheel.
The officer will typically explain the stop was due to expired registration and request the driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Drivers are required by law to provide these documents.
The officer may use these documents to verify the driver’s identity and the vehicle’s registration status using law enforcement databases. This check confirms the expiration and looks for other issues like outstanding warrants or a suspended license. The stop’s duration should be reasonably related to addressing the expired tags.
Police officers can conduct brief investigatory stops based on reasonable suspicion of a violation. While expired registration is usually a civil infraction, this principle allows officers time to investigate. Drivers retain constitutional rights, including protection against unreasonable searches, though vehicle search rules can be complex.
Possible Citation or Fine
After confirming the expired registration, the most common outcome is a citation, or ticket. Driving with expired tags is typically a non-criminal traffic infraction, often handled with fines similar to parking violations, and usually does not result in a criminal record. However, depending on state laws, how long the tags have been expired, or prior offenses, it could be classified as a more serious misdemeanor.
The citation details the violation and the fine amount, which varies by state and local law, potentially ranging from under fifty to several hundred dollars. Additional court fees or surcharges may increase the total cost.
Instructions for resolving the citation are usually included. This often involves paying the fine by a deadline. Some areas offer “fix-it tickets” or compliance citations. If the driver renews the registration promptly and provides proof to the court within a set timeframe, the fine might be reduced or dismissed, although administrative fees may still apply. The availability and rules for these programs vary by jurisdiction.
Consequences if Violations Remain Unresolved
Ignoring a citation for expired registration can lead to further administrative and legal actions. Missing a required court appearance can result in a “Failure to Appear” notice, carrying additional penalties and potentially leading to a bench warrant for the driver’s arrest in some jurisdictions.
Unresolved citations often prompt the state’s motor vehicle agency to suspend the driver’s license.1Fines and Fees Justice Center. Free to Drive: End Driver’s License Suspensions for Unpaid Fines and Fees The suspension typically lasts until the original citation and any related fees are paid. Driving on a suspended license is a separate, serious offense with significant penalties, including potential jail time.
State agencies may also place a hold on the vehicle’s registration, preventing renewal for any vehicle owned by the driver until the expired tag issue is resolved. Some states refer unpaid traffic debts to collection agencies, which can negatively affect credit scores and lead to actions like wage garnishment or interception of tax refunds.
Potential Vehicle Impoundment
While a citation is standard, officers may impound the vehicle under certain circumstances, based on state or local laws permitting removal of unregistered vehicles. Impoundment is less common for recently expired tags but becomes more likely in specific situations.
Factors increasing the likelihood of impoundment include registration expired for an extended period (often several months, as defined by law), repeat offenses, or expired tags found alongside other serious violations like driving with a suspended license, lack of insurance, or arrest for another offense. Towing may also occur if the vehicle obstructs traffic or poses a safety hazard.
If impoundment occurs, a licensed company tows the vehicle to a storage facility. To retrieve it, the owner must typically renew the registration, pay associated fines, provide proof of current registration and insurance, and pay all towing and storage fees. These storage fees accumulate daily. Failure to reclaim the vehicle and pay fees within a set period can result in the vehicle being sold at auction.
When to Seek Legal Help
While many handle expired tag citations independently, consulting a lawyer may be advisable in certain cases. If the stop involves more serious charges, like DUI or drug possession, legal guidance is often needed to navigate the combined offenses.
The classification of the expired tag offense might also warrant legal advice. If charged as a misdemeanor rather than an infraction, potential consequences like a criminal record or higher fines justify understanding the legal implications.
Difficulties resolving the citation, such as disputes over correction proof for a “fix-it ticket” or disagreements about expiration dates, might benefit from legal assistance in presenting evidence or challenging the ticket.
If the citation leads to severe administrative actions like license suspension, a lawyer familiar with traffic law and state motor vehicle agency procedures can help navigate the appeals or reinstatement process, ensuring the driver understands their rights and obligations.