Penalties for Expired Car Tags in Maryland and Beyond

Have you ever wondered what happens if you drive around with expired car tags? The consequences might surprise you, especially when it comes to driving in Maryland. In this article, we will explore the consequences of expired tags, including fines, impoundment, and renewal procedures.

Penalties for Expired Tags in Maryland

If a policeman notices that your car tags are expired, you can indeed face a ticket in Maryland. The expiration of your tags typically occurs on the last day of the designated month. For example, if your tags expire on March 21, it means they expired at midnight on the last day of March. As of April 22, unless you have been driving with expired tags for a very recent period, your tags have been expired for some time. Consequently, you can be pulled over upon the first day of expiration, and you will likely face a fine.

It is also important to note that if the tags are extremely expired, there is a possibility that your car could be impounded and towed. However, this scenario is relatively rare in my experience. Most police officers issue written warnings for expired tags and allow you to continue driving. Nonetheless, there is still a chance that a cop having a bad day could lead to a ticket and fine.

Other States and the Impact of COVID-19

It is worth mentioning that you may avoid being pulled over in Maryland if you stay out of the state. However, it is not as simple as it seems. Even if you stay out of Maryland, you could still be pulled over in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, or the District of Columbia. In these states, you might face similar consequences for expired tags.

The situation is further complicated by the impact of the pandemic. Some states, including New York, temporarily paused the issuance of tickets for expired inspection stickers as a result of the moratorium due to the COVID-19 crisis. However, this policy has since ended, and normal enforcement procedures have resumed.

Many states implemented moratoriums on registration enforcement during the height of the pandemic, given the closure of DMVs. Once these offices reopened, they likely resumed enforcement after a short grace period.

Online Renewal Options and Legal Driving

The good news is that you can typically renew your registration online, even with expired tags. For instance, in New York, you can easily renew your NY registration online. This online process eliminates the need to visit a physical DMV office, which can be particularly helpful in times of disruption.

However, it's important to remember that you must address the expired tags as soon as possible to avoid potential legal issues. If you fail to renew your registration in a timely manner, you may face additional fines and penalties.

Furthermore, obtaining a new registration after an expired tag incident may require a renewed inspection and emissions test, adding an extra layer of inconvenience.

Conclusion

While it is true that expiring car tags do not "expire due to COVID-19," the pandemic has certainly affected the process and enforcement of registration requirements. Understanding the potential consequences and taking proactive steps to renew your tags can help you avoid the hassle and fines associated with expired tags. Always stay informed about the rules in your jurisdiction and make use of available online resources to renew your registration promptly.

Keywords: car tags, expired tags, traffic tickets