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Most people have so much to do that keeping up with every responsibility can be difficult. That includes remembering to renew your Florida vehicle tags annually.
You probably already know that not registering your vehicle is an offense, but just how serious is driving with an expired tag? Also, what can you do to reduce the charges, and how can Florida Ticket Firm help?
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Vehicle registration is beneficial because it serves as an official record linking a vehicle to its owner. If someone steals your car or if you’re in an accident, the tags can help with the investigation.
Registration can also serve as proof of your residency in the state. Furthermore, the fees you pay for your tags help maintain public roads.
Florida requires all vehicles to have current tags to operate on the road. The expiration date falls on your birthday, so you must renew before then.
You should understand that rules for new cars do not apply to driving with expired tags, and there is no grace period or 30-day temporary plate.
For the first six months, driving with an expired registration is merely a traffic infraction, and the police can issue you a citation with a civil penalty.
These fees can be relatively low, but this varies by county and can even reach $250.
Six months after the expiration date, driving with an expired tag is still only an infraction if it is a first offense. However, the penalty may increase depending on the jurisdiction.
However, law enforcement may charge a person with a second-degree misdemeanor for each additional offense of driving with a tag that expired more than six months prior.
This is a criminal charge that can end up on a permanent record and could affect employment possibilities or the ability to buy or rent a home.
The maximum sentence is 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Additionally, the arresting officer may choose to impound your vehicle. This incurs additional costs that vary by municipality. Still, you can expect to pay more the longer your vehicle remains impounded.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re driving with an expired tag, an officer might pull you over for doing so. The officer might also stop for another reason and realize your tags have expired while handling another matter.
In any case, stay calm and speak respectfully. If you believe there has been a mistake, show the officer documentation proving that you registered your tags. For example, you might be able to display confirmation from the online portal or an email receipt.
Bear in mind that officers do not have to accept this as proof, but you might get off with a warning. If you receive a citation for not renewing your tag, you’ll want to update your registration as soon as possible.
If you’re going to fight a charge of driving with an expired tag, you’ll need a solid defense, likely using one of the following arguments.
A prosecutor or officer could make a mistake that makes the evidence against you invalid. Also, prosecutors often rely solely on a police officer’s testimony without proper documentation. In these instances, you could make evidentiary objections that move the judge to drop or dismiss charges.
The officer may have requested proof of registration for a cart or other type of vehicle that does not qualify as a motor vehicle in Florida. If you can prove that to the court, it will drop the case.
A rarer defense is that the vehicle was inoperable or you were not operating the vehicle when the officer cited you for an offense. Likewise, an officer might ticket you without proof that you were actually driving the vehicle, which would compromise their case.
If you simply did not have your registration or the document contained an error, you can supply proof that you registered on time. You might submit a letter with proof of correction before your court date, which could result in the dismissal of the ticket.
When you go to court, you’ll probably face an experienced prosecutor who knows the law much better than you. With a Florida traffic ticket lawyer at your side, you can be calmer and more confident, which helps you avoid inadvertent mistakes that harm your case.
Furthermore, an attorney from Florida Ticket Firm can help you determine which laws apply in your jurisdiction and keep you safe from any mistakes or inconsistencies by the prosecution. Our team also has experience negotiating reductions in fines and penalties.
Renewing expired tags is fairly straightforward. You can do so on the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles website at GoRenew.com. Be ready to supply proof of your Florida auto insurance.
If you have trouble renewing online, you can do so at any Florida DMV office. You can find a list of offices and their hours on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site. Bring your renewal notice, current registration, and payment.
Remember these pointers to avoid unintentionally driving with an expired tag:
Florida also allows you to pay for two years of registration, which can help you stay compliant and renew less often. Just set a reminder for yourself for that date so you don’t let your tags expire.
If you’re facing charges for driving with an expired tag, Florida Ticket Firm can help.
Contact us for a free consultation so we can help you determine the next steps you can take to fight your case.
