Can Police Pull You Over for Expired Tags?
When it comes to driving, it’s essential to ensure that your vehicle is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. One of the most common and easily overlooked violations is expired vehicle registration or license plates. In this article, we’ll explore whether police can pull you over for expired tags and what you need to know to avoid getting pulled over.
Can Police Pull You Over for Expired Tags?
The short answer is yes, police can pull you over for expired tags. In most states, expired vehicle registration or license plates are considered a traffic violation, and law enforcement officers have the authority to stop and issue a citation to drivers with expired tags.
State-by-State Laws
While the general answer is yes, the specific laws and regulations surrounding expired tags vary from state to state. Here’s a breakdown of how different states handle expired tags:
| State | Expired Tag Violation |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes, expired tags are a misdemeanor offense |
| Alaska | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Arizona | Yes, expired tags are a misdemeanor offense |
| Arkansas | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| California | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Colorado | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Connecticut | Yes, expired tags are a misdemeanor offense |
| Delaware | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Florida | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Georgia | Yes, expired tags are a misdemeanor offense |
| Hawaii | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Idaho | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Illinois | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Indiana | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Iowa | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Kansas | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Kentucky | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Louisiana | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Maine | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Maryland | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Massachusetts | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Michigan | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Minnesota | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Mississippi | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Missouri | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Montana | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Nebraska | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Nevada | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| New Hampshire | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| New Jersey | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| New Mexico | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| New York | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| North Carolina | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| North Dakota | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Ohio | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Oklahoma | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Oregon | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Rhode Island | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| South Carolina | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| South Dakota | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Tennessee | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Texas | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Utah | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Vermont | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Virginia | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Washington | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| West Virginia | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Wisconsin | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
| Wyoming | Yes, expired tags are a civil infraction |
Penalties for Expired Tags
The penalties for expired tags vary from state to state, but they can include:
- Fines: Most states impose a fine for expired tags, which can range from $10 to $100 or more.
- Points: In some states, expired tags can result in points being added to your driver’s license, which can lead to increased insurance rates and potentially even a suspended license.
- License Suspension: In some cases, expired tags can result in a suspended license, especially if you have a history of expired tags or other traffic violations.
- Registration Revocation: In extreme cases, expired tags can lead to the revocation of your vehicle registration, which means you won’t be able to drive your vehicle until the registration is reinstated.
Tips for Avoiding Expired Tags
To avoid getting pulled over for expired tags, make sure to:
- Keep Track of Your Registration: Keep track of your vehicle registration renewal dates and make sure to renew your registration on time.
- Check Your License Plates: Regularly check your license plates to ensure they are not expired or damaged.
- Get a Reminder: Set a reminder on your calendar or phone to remind you when your registration is due for renewal.
- Check with Your State’s DMV: If you’re unsure about the expiration date of your registration or license plates, check with your state’s DMV or department of motor vehicles.
Conclusion
Expired tags are a common and easily overlooked violation, but they can result in fines, points, and even license suspension. By keeping track of your registration renewal dates, checking your license plates regularly, and getting a reminder, you can avoid getting pulled over for expired tags. Remember to check with your state’s DMV or department of motor vehicles if you’re unsure about the expiration date of your registration or license plates.
