Driving with expired registration in California is a fairly common issue, but it can lead to more problems than many people expect. Under state law, every vehicle operated on public roads must be currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Letting your registration lapse can result in fines that increase quickly the longer it has been expired.
If you’ve been pulled over with an expired registration, what happens next depends on several key factors. Read on to learn more about the process and what to do if you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
Can an Officer Pull Me Over Just for Expired Tags?
The short answer is sometimes, but not always. A California law that took effect on July 1, 2024, limits when officers can stop a vehicle solely for expired registration. Based on the current rule, police generally cannot pull you over for expired tags until the second month after your registration has lapsed.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. For example, you can still be cited for expired tags if you’re stopped for another reason, such as speeding. The DMV also still imposes late fees from the moment your registration expires (more on how this works below).
What Happens During the Stop
If you are pulled over, it’s important to stay calm and cooperate with the officer throughout the interaction. Keep the following in mind:
- Pull over safely as soon as you can, using your turn signal to indicate where you’re going
- Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel until the officer approaches
- Provide your license, insurance, and registration when asked
- Be polite, but keep your answers short and factual, as anything you say can be used against you
Let the officer lead the conversation from there, and avoid volunteering unnecessary information about why your registration lapsed.
What Are the Penalties for Expired Registration in California?
The financial consequences of driving with expired tags in California can add up fairly quickly. The California DMV assesses late penalties based on how far overdue your registration is, which are in addition to any citation costs you might face if pulled over.
The current penalty structure breaks down like this:
- 1 to 10 days late: 10% of the vehicle license fee, plus late fees
- 11 to 30 days late: 20% of the vehicle license fee, plus late fees
- 31 days to one year late: 60% of the vehicle license fee, plus late fees
- More than one to two years late: 80% of the vehicle license fee, plus late fees
- More than two years late: 160% of the vehicle license fee, plus late fees
The DMV begins assessing penalties shortly after your registration expires.
Can Expired Registration Affect a Car Accident Claim in California?
Expired registration does not automatically make you at fault for a car accident in California. Liability is based on negligence, not on whether your registration was current.
However, insurance companies may try to use expired tags to question your credibility or shift blame. In most cases, this does not affect fault unless the condition of your vehicle contributed to the accident.
Even if your registration had expired, you may still recover compensation if another driver caused the crash. An attorney can help keep the focus on the actual cause of the accident and push back against unfair arguments.
Contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Santa Ana Car Accident Attorney
Having an expired registration in California is risky and can lead to serious fines and other consequences. If you were recently injured in a crash and have questions about how your registration status might affect your claim, it’s worth getting legal advice as soon as you can.
Reach out to Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, today for a free consultation with a Santa Ana car accident lawyer. With the contingency fee structure we work under, you only pay attorney’s fees if you win your case.
We serve Cobb County. Visit our office located in Santa Ana, California.
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