Can Your Car Get Towed for Expired Tags? (Tips 2024)

Getting those tags—the ones that indicate your car is ready for use—is an annual responsibility of car ownership. Every year, they surprise you, so you have to make sure you have the money.But what happens if things get busy and you forget or simply can’t afford the money at that moment? Some people begin to worry that their work-related car may be towed because they neglected to pay for the registration tags.

Most likely, you’ve observed a few vehicles driving around with tags that have expired in the past. You might wonder, “Do they even enforce this stuff?” as a result. It turns out that, despite appearances, they do.

So, is it really possible for your car to be towed for having tags that are much past due? Yes, in theory, it might if your registration is past due by more than six months. The catch is that, depending on the situation or the officer’s call, you might be able to get lucky in some cases.

The bottom line is that making timely payments is the best way to avoid issues. However, if you neglect it, you may be hit with a fine or, in the worst situation, have your car towed. The truth is that each case is somewhat unique. It depends on a few other variables as well as what’s happening in your world.

We’ll break down what makes each situation distinct and reveal why some people have their cars towed while others get by without any problems! Therefore, keep in mind that although tag payments may seem monotonous, they are your pass to a simple journey free from towing drama.

Can My Car Get Towed Without Plates?

Yes, it is possible.Operating a motor vehicle on public roads is legally required in many jurisdictions to have a valid licence plate. A car may be towed if it is discovered to be operating without a valid licence plate while being driven or parked on a public roadway, alley, or other area controlled by the government.

But there is usually an extension period—typically 45 days after the expiration date—before towing for expired licence plates is enforced. 

Before their cars are towed, this window gives their owners a fair amount of time to update their licence plates and get them into compliance with the law. Car owners must always be aware of when their licence plates expire in order to prevent any inconvenience or possible vehicle towing.

How to Get Car Out of Impound without Registration?

 

In case that the authorities at the impound lot have seized your recently bought vehicle because the registration is out of date, you will need to show identification to them in order to get it back. It’s a good idea to gather important paperwork in these kinds of situations, like the vehicle’s bill of sale, a copy of the original title with your name correctly filled out on it, or any other legitimate proof of ownership.

Even though the registration hasn’t been updated, these documents are essential proof that you are the legitimate owner of the impounded car. By presenting these documents, you should be able to get your car released from the impound lot and take care of the registration issues later on, making sure that everything complies with the law.

Proof of Purchase

A legitimate bill of sale becomes essential when handling an impounded car without an updated registration. This formal document proves that you are the owner of the car and provides proof of the recent buying of it.

Title Documentation

You can strengthen your claim to the impounded car by presenting a copy of the original title that has all required ownership information completed in your name. Even if your registration information hasn’t been updated yet, this document is an essential trace of your legal ownership.

Identification and Ownership Verification

Personal identification documents must be carried in addition to the bill of sale and title. These could consist of your driver’s licence and any other documents the impound lot requests to confirm your ownership of the car.

Reaching out to the Impound Lot

It is best to get in touch with them and find out what specific documentation they might need before you go to the impound lot. By being proactive, you can ensure a faster and more seamless vehicle recovery process.

Temporary Permits or Tags

Depending on the situation, the government may grant you a temporary permit or tag that will let you drive your recently acquired car for a set amount of time. To find out if these choices are available to make it easier to get your impounded car back, check with the local authorities.

Legal Support

Getting legal counsel could be helpful if issues come up or you have trouble getting your car back. A legal expert can help you with any concerns that may come up during the procedure and can lead you through the essential steps.

Tow your Car with NexGen Auto Transport

For towing your vehicle, NexGen Auto Transport provides a dependable and reliable service. When it comes to moving your car, they offer peace of mind thanks to their dedication to efficiency and safety.

Whether you need your car transported across town or across the nation, NexGen Auto Transport’s knowledgeable staff and cutting-edge machinery will make sure it gets to its destination undamaged. They are a dependable option for all of your auto transport needs because of their commitment to client satisfaction and their efficient towing procedure.

Towed My Car for no Reason

You have options if your car was towed for an apparent reason other than that it was necessary. It is within your rights to request a tow hearing in Municipal Court.

You have the opportunity to present your case during this meeting and dispute any fines or costs associated with the tow. By doing this, you can ensure that you receive fair treatment and that your rights as a car owner are upheld.

What Does The Law Say About Expired Registration?

State vehicle codes make it clear what happens when there is a significant delay in registration—a car can be towed if it is more than six months past due. But the wording’s ambiguity makes me nervous about possible towing after the grace period—at any time and from any place. This apparent laxity in enforcement emphasises how important it is for car owners to carefully follow renewal deadlines in order to minimise the possibility of being towed, no matter where their car is or what their circumstances may be.

Legal Time Frame

According to state vehicle codes, a car may be towed if its registration is more than six months overdue.

Ambiguity in Language

Some people may interpret the law differently because of its ambiguous wording.

Flexibility in Enforcement

Concerns regarding towing from any location at any time during the post-grace period are raised by perceived ambiguity.

Importance of Timely Renewal

Emphasises the crucial need for vehicle owners to adhere diligently to renewal timelines to avoid towing.

Location-Neutral Enforcement

The law’s ambiguity may suggest enforcement flexibility irrespective of the vehicle’s location.

Why did My Car Get Towed?

There could be more reasons for your car to be towed than just a parking infraction. Financial factors may play a role in your decision to have your car towed, such as past-due auto payments or the possibility of being repossessed soon.

Moreover, unpaid traffic tickets are yet another reason your car might be towed. It’s important to understand that towing actions can stem from a variety of problems, going beyond parking violations. To determine the precise cause of the towing incident, a detailed review of your financial and legal situation is necessary.

Parking Violation

A parking violation is a frequent cause of car towing. This can be parking in an area that is restricted, obstructing a driveway, or staying longer than allowed in a parking space that has been assigned.

Financial Problems

Towing may result from failing to make auto payments on time or from having a car at risk of repossession because of financial troubles. If payments are past due, repossession agencies have the authority to start the towing process.

Unpaid Traffic Tickets

Another reason for towing could be a build-up of unpaid traffic tickets. Traffic infractions that go unpunished may result in the towing of a vehicle by the authorities.

Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles

Cars left in public areas for extended periods without movement or in an inoperable condition may be considered abandoned and subject to towing.

Can your Car Get Towed for Expired Tags if it’s Parked?

Yes, even when a car is parked, it may still be towed in many jurisdictions for having expired tags. If a car with an expired registration is discovered parked on public property, it might be towed by police or parking enforcement personnel.

Towing for expired tags is frequently used as part of efforts to make sure that cars on public roads adhere to the law, which includes having current registration. Vehicle owners must be mindful of and follow renewal deadlines in order to prevent the inconvenience and possible expenses of having their cars towed because their tags have expired.

Can your Car be Towed for Expired Registration in Texas?

In Texas, a car with an expired registration can indeed be towed. Vehicles with expired registrations may be towed under state law, particularly if they are parked on public roads or other property. Owners of vehicles in Texas should make sure that their registration is current and renewed within the time frame given to reduce the possibility of being towed.

Maintaining awareness of the pertinent regulations and adhering to them is crucial in order to avoid any inconvenience or expenses related to having a car towed because of an expired registration.

May you also read this : How Long Before a Tow Company Can Sell Your Car

Final Remarks

NexGen Auto Transport is a reliable option for vehicle transportation and towing. They ensure the safe and effective transportation of your car with their dependable and reliable service. They provide a car shipping cost calculator if you’re curious about the price of shipping a car; it’s simple to use and gives you clear pricing information.

Their dedication to customer satisfaction combined with their efficient auto transport method make them the best choice for your vehicle shipping requirements. NexGen Auto Transport provides an easy and affordable option for moving your car across town or across the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions