Texas state car inspection sticker and car registration sticker for 2015 and 2016. (Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
HUM Images/HUM Images/Universal Images Grou
Are you driving as stealthy as possible because your car’s tag expired? Before you take another sip of that pumpkin spice latte, you should get your car registered for October.
If your registration sticker is past due, you could face fines, late fees, a penalty and a possible citation.
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Under Texas law, operating a vehicle with expired registration beyond the grace period is a traffic violation under Texas Transportation Code Section 502.407. Drivers can face fines of up to $200. Drivers cited for expired registration also face a penalty equal to 20% of the registration fee when they renew.
Here’s what to know about expired tags in Texas, including the grace period, penalties and how to renew quickly.
How long can you drive with expired registration in Texas?
Texas gives drivers a five-working-day grace period after the registration expiration date. During that time, a vehicle may be operated without an expired-registration penalty, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
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After five working days, you can be ticketed.
If you renew your registration online at Texas.gov or through the Texas by Texas (TxT) system, you’ll receive a receipt serves as proof of current registration for up to 31 days while waiting for your new sticker in the mail. Keep the receipt in your vehicle in case you’re stopped by police.
What is the fine for expired registration in Texas?
Driving with expired registration in Texas can result in:
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A fine of up to $200
A 20% penalty added to your registration fee
If cited, you’ll also need to pay your regular registration renewal costs.
How to renew expired registration in Texas immediately
If your registration has expired and you want your sticker right away, you can renew in person.
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Your registration renewal notice from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
Proof of current vehicle inspection or emissions test (if required)
Proof of insurance that meets Texas minimum requirements
If you don’t have a renewal notice, you can use your license plate number, vehicle identification number or previous year’s registration receipt.
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Your county tax assessor-collector’s office
An approved county substation, where available
If eligible, you can also renew online through Texas.gov or TxT.
I got a ticket for expired tags in Texas. What should I do?
If you’re pulled over for expired tags and it’s been more than five working days since your registration expired, you’ve committed an offense under Texas Transportation Code 502.407.
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Renew your registration immediately at your local tax office.
Pay the 20% penalty, if applicable.
Bring proof of insurance and any required emissions inspection documentation.
Acting quickly may help reduce additional penalties.
Can you get an expired registration ticket dismissed in Texas?
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To qualify, you typically must:
Correct the expired registration no later than the 20th working day after the offense or before your first court appearance, whichever is later
Pay the required registration penalty
Provide the required documentation to the court
A justice of the peace or municipal court judge may then dismiss the charge and assess a reimbursement fee of up to $20.
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