Yes, your car get towed for expired tags, especially if the registration is long overdue, the vehicle is on public roads, or parked on private property with towing rules.
Can Your Car Get Towed for Expired Tags?
Yes, it can. Vehicles with expired tags can be impounded if parked on public streets or towed from private property under posted rules.
Parking regulations play a large role in Apartments and businesses often tow cars with expired or missing plates—signs usually warn of this.
Tow documentation in Companies must photograph expired stickers, record vehicle details, and report impounds to police. Legal backing in Courts support towing when cars are immobile or registration has been expired for months.
How Towing for Expired Tags Works
When registration tags expire, your vehicle is technically not legally permitted to be on public roads. Most states treat expired tags as a traffic violation, while some see it as a parking enforcement issue.
Towing for expired registration
It usually happens when:
- Tags are expired beyond the grace period (often 30 to 180 days).
- The car is parked on public streets or private lots with visible outdated stickers.
- There are multiple unpaid parking citations or outstanding tickets.
Police or parking enforcement officers can classify the vehicle as unregistered or abandoned, leading to vehicle impoundment. Private property managers may also request towing under posted rules or lease agreements.
Legal Implications of Expired Tags
State laws vary widely when it comes to expired tags and towing. In California, vehicles with registration expired for more than six months can be impounded immediately.
Texas generally issues citations first but can authorize towing for repeat violations. Florida may allow towing if the vehicle is deemed abandoned with expired plates.
Penalties for expired registration
It typically include:
- Fines ranging from $50 to $300 depending on the state.
- Late renewal fees and reinstatement costs.
- Possible suspension of registration if ignored too long.
When is towing applicable?
Towing becomes likely if the car:
- Has expired tags for several months.
- Is parked on public property without valid registration.
- Violates parking or safety regulations.
These rules exist to ensure that vehicles on the road are insured, inspected, and traceable. However, the variance between state laws means it’s vital to check your local DMV or city enforcement policies before driving with expired tags.
State and City Differences
Every city enforces towing differently. For instance, San Jose, California allows towing for registration expired more than six months.
In Illinois, police may issue a citation but won’t tow unless other violations exist. Smaller towns may provide warnings before issuing fines.
Because of these differences, always verify local ordinances. Grace periods or enforcement priorities can change yearly, especially in larger metro areas with stricter parking regulations.
What to Do If Your Car Has Expired Tags
If you discover your tags are expired, don’t panic—but act quickly.
- Move your car to private property if possible.
- Renew your registration immediately online or at your DMV office. Most states let you print a temporary permit while waiting for new stickers.
- Check local towing laws to understand grace periods.
- Keep proof of renewal visible in your windshield or dashboard to avoid misunderstandings.
Ignoring expired tags can result in fines, impoundment, or suspension of your registration. Prompt renewal prevents small issues from escalating into costly legal problems.
What happens if an officer stops you with expired tags?
If an officer stops you with expired tags, you’ll likely receive a citation, and in some areas, face impoundment, plate confiscation, or need proof of renewal to recover your vehicle.
Fees, Fines, and Impound Costs
Recovering a car towed for expired registration can be expensive. Expect towing fees between $150 and $300, daily storage fees of $25 to $75, plus citation costs. Always ask for an itemized invoice and ensure the tow yard is licensed.
How to Avoid Towing for Expired Tags
Prevention is simple:
- Set reminders for registration renewal.
- Enable DMV auto-renewal if available.
- Keep digital or printed copies of receipts showing payment in progress.
A few minutes of planning can save you hundreds in towing and impound fees.
If Your Car Is Towed — How to Get It Back
If your car is towed, contact your local police non-emergency line to locate it. Bring your ID, proof of ownership, and renewed registration to the tow yard.
Pay the fees promptly to avoid accumulating daily storage costs. If you believe the tow was unjustified, most cities allow you to appeal or request a hearing within a set timeframe.
Preventative Measures
Avoid expired tags by building simple habits that keep you compliant and stress-free.
- Set Reminders: Add your registration renewal date to your phone or calendar. Use digital alerts or DMV apps instead of relying only on mailed notices.
- Renew Online: Most DMVs allow quick online renewals with printable temporary permits and mailed stickers—fast, easy, and reliable.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep up with inspections, emissions, and recalls to avoid renewal delays.
- Stay Updated: Check your DMV’s website for policy or fee changes to avoid unexpected fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can your car be towed immediately for expired tags?
Yes, in many states if your registration has expired beyond the grace period or if your vehicle is illegally parked.
2.How long can tags be expired before being towed?
Anywhere from 30 days to six months, depending on state law.
3.Can an apartment complex tow your car for expired tags?
Yes, if posted rules allow it and you’ve received proper notice.
4.What happens if you keep driving with expired tags?
You may receive multiple citations, registration suspension, or vehicle impoundment.
