Do You Have To Register A Car You Don't Drive

Driving Without Valid Vehicle Registration

When taking to the road, there are certain things all drivers must have with them in order to comply with the police. Failure to follow these rules tin result 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 automobile at all times can lead to a traffic citation and hefty fines. This is particularly true if you are driving without valid vehicle registration, although in some jurisdictions y'all may receive a "fix-it" ticket (mayhap for a registration that has just recently expired). Beneath you'll find some basic information about driving without a valid vehicle registration and where to go for more data.

Driving Without Registration vs. Driving Without Proof of Registration

In every state, 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's once-valid registration has expired (i.e. required fees and filings were not submitted to the state motor vehicle section inside the registration period).

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

In many states, penalties for driving a vehicle whose registration has expired will increase the longer the registration has lapsed. For instance, if the vehicle'southward registration expired less than 6 months ago, the infraction might be considered a not-moving violation. Simply if the vehicle'due south registration expired more half-dozen months ago, the law-breaking may be considered a moving violation, which shows up as "points" on a driving record , and may lead to increased auto insurance rates.

Used Cars and Vehicle Registration

Many people wonder if they buy a used car, whether they can they bulldoze information technology without registration. The answer is information technology depends on the country. In Michigan, for instance, y'all tin drive dwelling a newly purchased used vehicle only merely if you bulldoze the vehicle direct to the first identify of storage (usually your home) within xv days of the sale. You lot must have the properly assigned title with you and should check with your insurance company to be sure you're covered. Once again, the number of days you lot have to register a car varies so you should check with your land'southward DMV.

In virtually states, certain types of vehicles demand not be registered -- including "off-highway" vehicles, stored vehicles, or vehicles for which a "non-operating" has been filed with the state department of motor vehicles.

Defenseless Driving Without Valid Registration? Get Legal Assistance 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 most cases you'll simply pay a fine, obtain the necessary paperwork, and be on your way. But sometimes, particularly when you face the prospect of losing your license, it'due south worth reviewing your legal options. Speak to an experienced traffic ticket attorney today to find out what your options are for contesting a violation.