Can Police Issue Tickets for Expired Car Tags While Parking in California?

Expired car tags can be a serious matter when it comes to parking regulations in California. Understanding the law and potential consequences is crucial for every driver. This article explores the legalities of expired car tags and parking violations in the state of California. Whether you're parking on a public street or your driveway, there are important points to consider.

Understanding the Law on Expired Car Tags in California

In a word, yes, police officers can issue tickets for expired car tags. If your vehicle is parked on a public street without a valid registration and an officer learns of it, they are likely to ticket it. Section 4000a 1 of the California Vehicle Code specifically states that it is a violation to operate or park a vehicle on a public roadway without a valid registration, including an expired registration.

Section 4000a 1 of the California Vehicle Code

A person shall not drive, move, or leave standing upon a highway or in an off-street public parking facility any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole, or pipe dolly or logging dolly unless it is registered and the appropriate fees have been paid under this code or registered under the permanent trailer identification program. Exemptions include-specific cases such as off-highway motor vehicles displaying identification plates issued by the department.

Impoundment of Expired Tags

The consequences go beyond just a ticket. If your vehicle is found with an expired registration, the police can impound it on the spot. This means you might have to arrange for transportation home using services like Uber, and then deal with the administrative process to get your vehicle back. The days of merely receiving a burned tag citation are long gone; it has become mandatory confiscation of the vehicle.

Full Application in All Fifty States and the District of Columbia

The regulations regarding expired car tags are uniform across all fifty states and the District of Columbia. While the specifics can vary by jurisdiction, the core principles remain the same.

Public vs. Private Property

It's important to understand the difference between public and private property. If you park your car in your driveway, it is technically on your property, and the rules might be slightly different. However, if the driveway is open to public access (as in many suburban or rural areas), it can still be considered a public space for the purposes of traffic laws.

Public vs. Public Street Enforcement

If you park on a public street, you are subject to the same rules and potential penalties as anyone else. A citation for expired tags can be issued, and your vehicle might be impounded. The specific citation would be for violating section 4000a1 of the California Vehicle Code.

Additional Considerations

There are some additional considerations for expired car tags, such as:

Improper Display of Stickers: If the car tags are not properly displayed, you can receive a citation under section 5204a of the California Vehicle Code. This regulation applies more commonly to parking enforcement officers when dealing with unoccupied vehicles. Impoundment Authority: Under Vehicle Code section 22651o1, vehicles found with expired registration for over six months can be impounded. This applies specifically to public roadways and public parking facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about expired tags:

Can a police officer issue a ticket for expired tags on a driveway? This would typically be considered private property, but if it has public access, the rules for public streets would apply. Are there any exceptions or exemptions for expired car tags? In general, there are no exemptions for expired tags when parking on public streets. However, specific circumstances might allow for temporary violations in off-highway use. What happens if the vehicle is impounded due to expired tags? Once impounded, you will need to arrange for retrieval of your vehicle and the payment of any related fines and fees.

The core message is clear: expired car tags are a serious violation of vehicle codes in California, and violation can lead to tickets and vehicle impoundment. Understanding these regulations can help avoid unnecessary fines and complications.