Here are some highlights to help save you time:
- Car tags are legal identifiers that indicate when your registration will expire, and they differ from state to state.
- Expired car tags can accumulate late fees, towing of your vehicle, and other penalties.
- It’s important to understand the laws in your area to avoid getting your car towed from your driveway for expired tags.
- The costs of getting your car back after being towed for expired tags can easily surpass $1,000.
Table of ContentsShow
Car Tags: What Are They And Why Are They So Important?
A car’s “tags” are legally mandated identifiers indicating how long until its registration expires.
In some states, tags are stickers placed on the rear license plates. In others, they’re a document pouch stuck inside the windshield. Tags are usually good for one to three years, depending on the state, at which point you’ll need to renew them.
What are the consequences of driving with expired tags?
Driving with expired tags results in late fees accruing and can even lead to having your car towed. Whether your vehicle gets towed depends on many factors, like how overdue the tags are, which state you’re in, if you’re a repeat offender, and even the officer’s mood.
In this guide, I’ll share more details about cars getting towed for expired tags, including how much you’ll spend getting your vehicle back.
I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about expired car tags, like:
- Can my car be towed from my driveway for expired tags?
- How long can you drive with expired tags?
- How long does it take to renew my car tags?
Let’s get started.
Can They Tow Your Car For Expired Tags? Understanding The Law
The laws and penalties for expired car tags vary depending on the state. For example, some states, like Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, may allow a grace period before imposing late fees. Others may fine drivers for expired tags right away.
Moreover, the fees and penalties for driving with expired tags can accumulate over time, making it even more expensive to renew the registration. Additionally, if your car gets towed, you may also have to pay impound fees and other costs to retrieve it.
As you can see, it’s best to stay current with your car’s tags. Make sure to renew your registration before it expires. You may even consider setting reminders to avoid missing the deadline. This can save you money and prevent the hassle of dealing with towing, impounding, and other penalties.
How Long Do Car Tags Last? Expiration Dates And Renewals Explained
The duration that car tags last depends on the state you live. Car tags typically last from one to three years. Some states offer permanent or specialty tags that last longer.
You’ll need to provide proof of insurance and pay a renewal fee to renew your car’s tags. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office.
Maintaining current tags is a key part of being a responsible driver. Moreover, it also helps you avoid unnecessary legal and financial troubles.
What To Do If Your Car Gets Towed For Having Expired Tags
If your car gets towed for having expired tags, the first step is to find where it’s been taken and why. You’ll need to contact the impound lot or local law enforcement agency for this information.
Then, you’ll need to renew your car’s registration and get new tags. Once you have proof of registration and current tags, you can retrieve your car from the impound lot. You’ll likely need to pay impound fees, storage fees, and any fines associated with the towing.
As you can see, keeping your car’s tags current is not something you want to let slide. Having your car towed and finding out you have a mountain of fees never makes for a good day.
The Costs Of Getting Your Car Back After It’s Towed For Expired Tags
The cost of getting a car back after it’s been towed for expired tags can add up quickly.
For example, the average towing fee is around $300, and the storage fee is roughly $70 per day. If your car is impounded for a week, the total cost of towing and storage fees alone would be about $770.
What’s more, impound and admin fees can range from $100 to $200 or more combined, depending on the impound lot and location.
Finally, you’ll need to pay any fines associated with having expired tags, which can range from $50 to $200, depending on the state or municipality.
The total cost of getting your car back after it’s been towed for having expired tags can easily surpass $1,000. To avoid these expenses, make sure to keep your car registration and tags current to avoid getting towed.
5 Tips To Avoid Getting Your Car Towed For Expired Tags
- Mark Your Calendar: Keep track of the expiration date for your car tags and set reminders to renew them before they expire.
- Renew Online: Many states allow you to renew your car registration and tags online. This is a convenient and fast way to ensure your tags stay current.
- Display Your Tags: Make sure your car’s tags are clearly displayed so that they are visible to law enforcement officials.
- Be Prepared: Keep a copy of your registration and insurance in your car at all times, so you can provide them if necessary.
- Avoid Parking In Questionable Areas: Parking in areas with “no parking” signs or that appear unsafe increases your risk of getting your car towed for having expired tags.
FAQ: Getting Your Car Towed Over Expired Tags
Depending on the parking laws in your area, your car can be towed from your driveway for having expired tags. Some areas permit parking officials to tow cars with expired tags from private property, while others prohibit it.
To avoid potential towing and fines, be sure to stay up to date on the specific rules and regulations for where your vehicle is registered.
The grace period for driving with expired tags is usually around 30 days. Still, it can vary depending on your location. For this reason, checking your local rules regarding tag timelines is key to avoid getting your car towed.
By keeping your tags up-to-date and renewing them early, you can prevent any potential legal and financial issues and stay safe on the road.
The time it takes to renew your car’s tags depends on your location and the renewal method. Some states offer online renewal options, which can take only a few minutes.
Others require in-person renewal at a DMV office, which can take several hours.
Your best bet is to check with your state’s DMV website or office to understand the renewal process and requirements.
Avoid Getting Your Car Towed For Expired Tags By Keeping Them Current
The consequences of driving with expired tags are serious, including fines, impounding, and even suspension of your driver’s license.
To avoid these outcomes, make sure to keep your car tags up-to-date and renew them before they expire.
