What Happens If You Don't Get Your Car Registered

Driving Without Valid Vehicle Registration

When taking to the route, at that place are certain things all drivers must accept with them in order to comply with the law. Failure to follow these rules can outcome in both traffic citations and administrative penalties. These items, which police typically ask for when they pull over a motorist, are:

Valid driver's license,
Proof of liability insurance, and
Valid vehicle registration.

Failure to keep physical copies of these documents in your car at all times can atomic number 82 to a traffic commendation and hefty fines. This is particularly true if you are driving without valid vehicle registration, although in some jurisdictions you may receive a "prepare-information technology" ticket (maybe for a registration that has merely recently expired). Below you'll observe some basic information about driving without a valid vehicle registration and where to go for more than information.

Driving Without Registration vs. Driving Without Proof of Registration

In every land, traffic laws make it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle when:

The vehicle has never been registered with the state department of motor vehicles (or motor vehicles bureau) in the state where it is primarily used, or
The vehicle'south once-valid registration has expired (i.e. required fees and filings were not submitted to the state motor vehicle department within the registration menses).

Traffic laws in most states differentiate between operating a vehicle that isn't registered, and operating a vehicle without proof that the vehicle is registered (i.e. when a driver of a properly registered vehicle fails to carry a required registration document, or fails to display current registration stickers).

In many states, penalties for driving a vehicle whose registration has expired will increment the longer the registration has lapsed. For example, if the vehicle's registration expired less than half-dozen months ago, the infraction might exist considered a non-moving violation. But if the vehicle's registration expired more than than six months ago, the criminal offense may be considered a moving violation, which shows upwardly as "points" on a driving record , and may pb to increased motorcar insurance rates.

Used Cars and Vehicle Registration

Many people wonder if they buy a used car, whether they can they drive it without registration. The respond is it depends on the state. In Michigan, for case, you can bulldoze home a newly purchased used vehicle but only if y'all drive the vehicle directly to the first place of storage (normally your home) within xv days of the sale. Yous must have the properly assigned title with you and should check with your insurance company to exist sure yous're covered. Once again, the number of days you accept to register a auto varies so you should bank check with your state's DMV.

In near states, sure types of vehicles need not exist registered -- including "off-highway" vehicles, stored vehicles, or vehicles for which a "not-operating" has been filed with the state section of motor vehicles.

Caught Driving Without Valid Registration? Get Legal Help Today

If you're looking to fight a citation for the registration of your vehicle, you'll want a lawyer on your side who knows the ins and outs of traffic court. In well-nigh cases you'll merely pay a fine, obtain the necessary paperwork, and be on your way. But sometimes, particularly when you lot face the prospect of losing your license, it'southward worth reviewing your legal options. Speak to an experienced traffic ticket attorney today to find out what your options are for contesting a violation.