Expiration tabs and expired plates

[wantedtobecop]

I was just curious as to what the reasoning is for the emphasis on stopping cars with expired tags. Me, I get mine almost as soon as the 90 day before they are due comes into effect. I have seen cars here (ohio) with 03 still.

Also, for the LEOs in other 2 tag :( states, if there are expiration tabs on the front as well, is there a specific reasoning by the state for this? I know VA does the dual sets of tabs, but cannot recall the other states. Is there a benefit such as being able to tell by the tab color as you pass they are good?

In the case of TX and NY, is it hard to read the exp stickers in the windscreen, and when did those methods of expiration go into effect? If you are behind someone, do you just randomly run the tags for expiration date since they are obviously not on the rear tag? :confused:

[Babysmamadrama]

I get a good deal of dope and fugitive arrests off of those expired plate stops. Here in Missouri we have two plates with the month/ year tab being on both. I run any plate that looks like it may have had the tabs removed or tampered with and since we have huge problem with license tab theft, many are expired but the driver is running around with some else's tabs.

Some people demand to know why I ran their license plate and even tell me that I cannot do that, that it is a violation of their rights. Problem is the license plate is owned by the state not the driving and is issued for the privilege not the right of licensing their vehicle.

[Lawson]

Here in Washington if you get stopped for having expired tabs you are likely to get a citation for it. We also DO have a requirement that you have license plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle, however I think it was sometime in 2001 that the state began only requiring new tabs on the Rear plate.

[Legoate]

I'm not sure what the question actually was....why do we stop them, or why do we not stop them?
One good thing about stopping someone with expired registration is I automatically have probable cause for the stop if I find something else later. If I write someone a ticket for driving without a license and that is it, I'll get a nastygram back from the traffic division telling me to explain why I had PC to stop them in the first place. If I cite for both the registration and license, problem is solved and it's unlikely I'll ever see court because registration violations are easy to prove by the traffic DA's using the DMV computer.
Do I always cite for registration? No...for a variety of reasons....I may believe that the person just bought the car and is in the process of registering it (still a violation), or maybe they are trying to get the car up to smog standards so it can be registered (still a violation), or maybe I know they are a crook and I want PC to stop them again in the future because I know they won't heed my warning and actually register their car.

[scott715us]

If they expired the month before and they are not committing any other infraction, I usually don't pull em over. More than 2 mos, they're gettin a ticket. Those with expired temporary tags usually have an array of warrants or something else I end up going to jail on. Altering a temp tag is a felony in TN, so those are always fun to lock up. ;)

[txinvestigator1]

In Texas, License PLates were being stolen simply so the registration tags could be removed and sold illegally.

Placing inside the windshield cured THAT problem.

The purpose for registration is mutli-faceted. The purpopse of enforcement is the same as other violations.

[Johninaustin]

I stop expired tags because you have to show proof of insurance to get current tags. Not current, more than likely no insurance. (Or your DL is expired becasue you have warrants.)

I make a target of expired out of state tags as well. I tagged a guy with NJ plates that had been driving on them for 9 years and never been stopped.

Another reason is a little problem folks on the wrong side of town have: They'll buy a junker thru a private sale and never register it. One car will change hands 5 or 6 times.

Good luck showing proof of ownership at the impound lot. :D

Spotting them thru the windshield? No problem at all. Each year is a different color.

[Piggy]

I stop vehicles for expired tags because it's illegal.

[tpd_six]

Several reasons-

1. Because it's the law
2. Vehicle safety/inspection issues, broken windshields, inoperative equipment
3. Often indicates other problems, suspended driver, no insurance, warrants, drugs, etc.
4. Theft of plates and/or registration stickers
5. Why should they not have to follow the rules and pay the state registration when I do :mad:

Here if it's expired by three months or more and/or doesn't have insurance the vehicle gets impounded and has to be released by the state.

[JD45]

In CA you must have two plates affixed. The rear is where your reg stickers go. Although I've seen people get super creative the way they put them on, but that's another thread.

I'll stop and cite for expired tabs/reg. If I have to pay my registration fees, so do you. Have reg that is expired for more than 6 months for 5 or more unpaid parking violations and your car is mine..... :cool:

It's also good as PC for a stop and start the digging and sniffing process...

[tpd_six]

In Texas, License PLates were being stolen simply so the registration tags could be removed and sold illegally.

Placing inside the windshield cured THAT problem.

Lol I learned about Texas registration the hard way, I stopped a van for expired plates and they were kind enough to point out the windshield sticker to me.

I like the idea, but wish it was more visible.

[Ranger__101]

One nice thing about Minnesota is that the are randomly sending out requests to registered vehicle owners.

You must respond to the letter with in a certain date with vehicle insurance information or your license is suspended.

We've got a problem with uninsured vehicles and this is one way of gaining compaiance. They do make it easy to respond. You can return the sheet to them or log onto a secure website and put in the information.

Are any other states doing something simular to insure that vehicles have insurance?

[michiganstud]

I was just curious as to what the reasoning is for the emphasis on stopping cars with expired tags.

Most states have this thing, but shhh, I didn't tell you this, its called:


THE LAW

[Norm357]

I have heard the term berfore, but what is a license plate tab? Is that the little sticker with the experation date on it?

[Ranger__101]

You got it