Forgetting to renew your car’s registration in Pennsylvania is a violation of the state’s Vehicle Code, but it is typically treated as a summary offense rather than a criminal act. While it may seem like a minor oversight, driving with expired registration can lead to fines, potential vehicle impoundment and other administrative penalties.
Under Pennsylvania law, operating a vehicle with an expired registration is considered a summary offense. In Pennsylvania, the standard fine for this offense is $75 or double the registration fee, whichever is greater. However, if the vehicle was previously registered in Pennsylvania and the registration expired within 60 days of the offense, the fine is reduced to $25.
It’s important to note that while this offense does not typically result in jail time or a criminal record, repeated violations or additional related offenses can lead to more severe consequences. For instance, if you are found driving with both expired registration and no valid insurance, you could face a three-month suspension of your vehicle registration.
Pennsylvania does not offer a grace period for expired vehicle registrations. This means that once your registration expires, you are immediately in violation of the law if you continue to operate the vehicle on public roads. Even if your registration has only lapsed by a day, you could be subject to fines and other penalties.
Stopping cars with expired registration
Law enforcement officers have the authority to stop vehicles with expired registrations. However, a 2020 ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Copenhaver clarified that deputy sheriffs do not have the authority to conduct traffic stops solely based on an expired registration sticker, as it does not constitute a “breach of the peace.” This ruling does not apply to police officers, who retain the authority to enforce registration laws. As a result, it is possible to experience a higher-than-average risk of being pulled over – and possibly being cited for other infractions, like intoxicated driving – if you drive with an expired registration.
To avoid the inconvenience and potential penalties associated with expired registration, it’s important to renew your vehicle registration on time. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers several convenient methods for renewal, including online, by mail or in person at authorized locations. You’ll need your vehicle information, proof of insurance and payment for the applicable fees.
While forgetting to renew your car’s registration in Pennsylvania is not classified as a criminal offense, it is a situation that could put you at higher risk of being charged with more significant kinds of wrongdoing. Therefore, should you have any questions, it is wise to seek legal guidance as soon as those questions arise.