How to Avoid Paying a Fine for No Car Registration
- 1). After you purchase a used car from an individual, you have a limited amount of time to register the vehicle at the DMV. The amount of time you have varies by state. When you acquire a used vehicle from a private party, make sure the previous owner signs the back of the current vehicle registration card with the present date to show that she sold the car and you are the new owner.
- 2). Register the vehicles soon after you move to another state. When you move to another state, you must register your vehicle and get a new driver's license. This action makes the DMV in the new state in which you live aware of your new residency status. The amount of time you have to register your vehicle after you move varies by state.
- 3). Adhere to your state's smog certification, or emissions test, requirements. Many states require you to receive a smog certification on your car prior to registering it. After completing an emissions test, you have a limited amount of days to register your car if the registration is about to expire. For example, in California, you must register your car within 90 days of receiving a smog certificate. The amount of time you have to register your vehicle after receiving a smog certification varies by state. If you do not register your vehicle within the allotted amount of time after completing an emissions test, you may need to redo the emissions test and risk the chance of receiving a fine for not having a valid registration.
- 4). Renew your registration on time at your local DMV office. Many states offer the choice of renewing your vehicle registration online for quicker processing.
- 5). Do not drive or park on public roads. If your car is not registered, you can avoid receiving a fine for not having your vehicle registered by keeping it parked in your driveway.
- 6). Go to court. If you get a ticket for not having current registration on your car, you may avoid paying a fine by showing the courts proof that you did have a valid car registration prior to receiving the citation. If you receive a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle that is not yours, a court may forgive the fee if you explain the situation. If you were driving an unregistered vehicle and received a citation, you may be able to avoid paying a fine. By immediately registering your car after an incident, some courts will forgive the ticket and clear it from your record if you show the valid registration card and agree to complete approved driver safety courses.
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