If you’re worried about your car getting towed for expired tags, then you may find yourself wondering if a parked car can get towed for expired tags as well!
Yes, a parked car can indeed be towed for expired tags, depending on the regulations in your local jurisdiction. Local law enforcement and towing companies are typically authorized to remove vehicles with expired tags if they are parked on public property, although the exact rules can vary from place to place.
This article unravels the circumstances under which a car with expired tags can be towed while parked, providing clarity on local jurisdiction variations, public vs. private property considerations, and preventative measures.
Key Takeaways
- Car owners may have their parked car towed due to expired tags for more than six months.
- Towing due to expired tags is a legal and common practice.
- Car owners may face severe consequences, such as impoundment, fines, and even arrest if the tags are overdue.
Table of Contents
Expired Tags and Legal Implications
When a car’s registration tags expire, it can lead to legal implications and potential penalties.
In many states, driving a car with expired tags is illegal, but can a parked car get towed for expired tags?
The answer is yes, in certain circumstances.
1. Potential Penalties
If a car is parked on public land or on the street and has expired tags for more than six months, it may be towed.
The owner of the vehicle may also be subject to fines and penalties.
The fine amount can vary depending on the state (scroll down to the section on state-specifics for more detail here) and the length of time the tags have expired.
2. Traffic Tickets and Citations
In addition to towing and fines, the owner of the vehicle may also receive a traffic ticket or citation. This can result in additional fines and points on the driver’s license.
If the owner of the vehicle fails to pay the fines or appear in court, it can lead to further legal consequences, such as a suspended license or even an arrest warrant.
It is important to note that the rules and penalties for expired tags can vary from state to state. Some states may allow a grace period for renewing tags, while others may have stricter rules and penalties.
It is important for car owners to be aware of the rules and regulations in their state to avoid potential legal issues.
Towing Due to Expired Tags
When a car’s registration tags expire, the car owner can face penalties ranging from fines to towing.
In some cases, a parked car with expired tags can be towed away.
Scenario 1 – Towing from Public Property
If a car is parked on public property, such as a city street, and has expired tags, it can be towed away.
The laws regarding towing vary by state, but most states allow for towing cars with expired tags after a certain period.
For example, in California, a car can be towed if it has been parked on a public street for 72 hours with expired tags.
Scenario 2 – Towing from Private Property
Towing a car with expired tags from private property is a bit more complicated. Generally, a car cannot be towed from private property without the owner’s permission.
However, if the car is blocking a private driveway, the property owner can have it towed away!
It is important to note that the laws regarding towing from private property vary by state. Some states require the property owner to post signs warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed, while others do not.
Tip: If your vehicle is towed and you’re not sure what’s next, make sure to read my full article on what to do when your car gets towed.
State-Specific Laws
Each state has its own regulations regarding expired tags and towing.
It is essential to understand the specific laws in your state to avoid getting your parked car towed.
California’s Regulations
California law states that a vehicle can be towed if it is parked on a public street or highway with expired registration tags.
However, the vehicle owner must have received a notice of delinquent registration from the DMV at least 60 days before the tow. If the vehicle owner has not received the notice, the vehicle cannot be towed.
In addition, if the vehicle is parked on private property, the property owner cannot have the vehicle towed solely for expired tags.
The property owner must have a signed agreement with a towing company and must follow specific procedures before towing the vehicle.
Florida’s Regulations
Florida law allows a vehicle to be towed if the registration is expired for more than six months.
The vehicle can be towed from a public street or highway, but the owner must have received a notice of delinquent registration from the DMV at least 30 days before the tow.
If the vehicle is parked on private property, the owner can have it towed immediately if it has expired tags.
It is important to note that if the vehicle is towed due to expired tags in Florida, the owner will be responsible for all towing and storage fees.
The owner must also provide proof of registration and pay any fines or fees before retrieving the vehicle.
In conclusion, understanding state-specific laws regarding expired tags and towing is crucial to avoid getting your parked car towed. California and Florida have regulations that vehicle owners must follow to avoid unwanted towing fees.
It is recommended to stay up-to-date with current state laws and regulations to avoid any potential issues.
Preventive Measures and Solutions
Importance of Regular Inspection
Car owners should regularly inspect their vehicles to ensure that everything is in order. By doing so, they can identify any issues that need to be addressed, including expired tags.
Regular inspection of the vehicle can help avoid the risk of the car being towed for expired tags. It is important to check the registration tags to ensure that they are valid and up-to-date.
Additionally, car owners should ensure that their cars meet the necessary safety standards and that all the required documents are in order.
Keeping Up with Registration Fees
Car owners should ensure that they keep up with their registration fees to avoid the risk of having their car towed. It is important to renew the registration tags on time to avoid any penalties or fines.
Car owners can mark their calendars or set reminders to ensure that they do not forget to renew their registration.
They can also opt for automatic renewal of their registration tags to ensure that they do not miss the deadline.
Understanding the Grace Period
Car owners should understand the grace period that is allowed for expired tags. Different states have different grace periods, and it is important to know the grace period in the state where the car is registered.
During the grace period, car owners can renew their registration tags without any penalties or fines. However, it is important to note that the grace period does not guarantee that the car will not be towed.
Car owners should ensure that they renew their registration tags within the grace period to avoid any risk of having their car towed.
In summary, regular inspection, keeping up with registration fees, and understanding the grace period are important preventive measures that car owners can take to avoid the risk of having their car towed for expired tags.
By following these measures, car owners can ensure that their cars are always in compliance with the law and avoid any unnecessary expenses or inconveniences.
