Forgetting to renew your vehicle registration may seem like a minor oversight. In most situations, it is a relatively minor issue you can resolve by paying a late fee. However, if you ignore renewing your vehicle registration, you could face significant inconvenience, financial hardship, and even a criminal charge.

Key Takeaways

• North Carolina law prohibits driving with an expired vehicle registration.
• Driving with an expired vehicle registration can lead to a traffic stop, which could result in additional charges if the police officers discover other illegal activity.
• The North Carolina DMV offers a 15-day grace period for renewing an expired vehicle registration. Drivers who fail to renew their vehicle registration within the 15-day limit can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a $200 fine.
• The experienced North Carolina traffic infraction attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, can save you time and money, and help you avoid additional charges.

Understanding Your Expired Registration Ticket

Driving with an expired registration is a common traffic infraction in North Carolina. It occurs when a driver fails to renew their vehicle registration before the expiration date.

North Carolina requires that all vehicles display a current vehicle registration sticker on their license plate. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines, late fees, and even misdemeanor criminal charges.

What Happens If You Drive with an Expired Registration?

Police officers can lawfully stop individuals driving with an expired registration. A routine traffic stop can lead to additional citations for traffic infractions, or even criminal charges if the officer discovers illegal activity.

Depending on how long the vehicle registration has lapsed, drivers who receive an expired registration ticket may face fines, late fees, and even misdemeanor criminal charges. They may need to appear in court. While driving with an expired registration is generally considered a non-moving violation, repeated offenses may lead to points on your driver’s license.

What Are the Penalties for Driving with an Expired Registration in North Carolina?

Drivers can legally operate their vehicle for up to 15 days after their registration has expired. The NCDMV charges a $25 late fee for renewing a vehicle registration within the 15-day limit. Drivers who fail to renew their vehicle registration within the 15-day limit can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a $200 fine.

What Should You Do If You Received an Expired Registration Ticket?

If you received an expired registration ticket, you should act quickly to address it.

1. Renew your registration as quickly as possible. Visit your local DMV or use the online registration renewal portal. You will need your license plate number, insurance information, and a payment method for the required fees.
2. Check for late fees. North Carolina offers a 15-day grace period for late renewals, but late fee applies. Late fees increase when renewing outside of the grace period.
3. Consult an experienced traffic infraction attorney. Our traffic infraction attorneys can evaluate your situation and help you avoid needing to appear in court. If your situation involves other related offenses, we can evaluate your situation, provide advice and guidance, and protect your rights.

How a Traffic Infraction Attorney Can Help

The North Carolina traffic infraction attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, have over 60 years of combined experience representing individuals in the Johnston County District and Superior Courts. We understand the stress and frustration of dealing with an expired registration ticket, and will work to save you time, reduce penalties, and avoid additional legal exposure.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Traffic Infraction Defense Attorney

The skilled and experienced traffic infraction defense attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, are dedicated to protecting the rights of North Carolina drivers who have received citations for traffic infractions. We represent individuals in traffic infraction matters throughout Johnston County, including Smithfield, Benson, Clayton, Selma, Archer Lodge, Kenly, Four Oaks, Pine Level, Princeton, Wilson’s Mill and Micro. We also assist out-of-state drivers who have received a North Carolina traffic ticket while driving on I-40 or I-95 in Johnston County. Call (919) 300-1249 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can help.