Ticket for expired registration

alpac · #1 09-23-2009, 11:35 PM

Last Sunday I was stopped by the police one mile from home for expired registration on my X. Not sure how I missed the registration and inspection on the X but I did and for about 3 months! I do not remember receiving the reminder for registration renewal for the X5 but I may have missed it amoung the registration renewal of my 5 different vehicles. As usual with traffic ticket I either show up in court in November or plaid guilty and pay the $155 fee. Anyway, today I was surprised to get a bunch of advertisements in the mail from attorneys offering their services saying that they could prevent me from loosing my driving license and have my insurance increased. I have used lawyers successfully in the past for speeding tickets but I had no idea that having an expired registration could have that kind of consequences. Does anybody knows North Carolina's rules for expired registration? Is it just bluff from these lawyers? Should I go to court, plaid guilty and paid the fees or hire a lawyer? A Lawyer is probably going to be at least $500 or $600 so before hiring one I want to be sure I really need him or her.
Any suggestion would be appreciated?
Thanks

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chefwong · #2 09-23-2009, 11:40 PM

whattt.....your laws may vary in your state but out here, there is no penalties for registration....just like running red light cameras. Just pay the ticket.

Go figure...buddy was at a right light years ago. I don't even know how the LEO was looking for expired registrations (as the sticker color is the same-just the month is ticked off) but it was only 1 month expired and the LEO had pulled out of the hiding spot to ticket him. I've always wondered if they sat there with binoculars.....

Thunder22 · #3 09-23-2009, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefwong

whattt.....your laws may vary in your state but out here, there is no penalties for registration....just like running red light cameras. Just pay the ticket.

Go figure...buddy was at a right light years ago. I don't even know how the LEO was looking for expired registrations (as the sticker color is the same-just the month is ticked off) but it was only 1 month expired and the LEO had pulled out of the hiding spot to ticket him. I've always wondered if they sat there with binoculars.....

The stickers are different colors

At least in NY they are.

alpac · #4 09-24-2009, 12:00 AM

It was after 10pm and dark and my 13een years old daughter and I were coming back from a friend's party. I was driving very relax around town when suddenly a car behind that was following very close put its highlight on. My daughter even said "What is wrong with this guy behind us!"

Meiac09 · #5 09-24-2009, 02:15 AM

They won't drop it if you pay the registration? I'd call into the courts and explain the situation (after you've renewed it)

PersonaNonGrata · #6 09-24-2009, 02:25 AM

I would skip hiring a lawyer that will cost you many times the fine and just appear on the court date, having paid any required bail if necessary, and have your paid and current registration and when your case is called, answer up and advise the court that you have proof of current registration and ask for a dismissal. You might just get it. I'm no expert in traffic court but I have heard of plenty of traffic court judges dismissing charges like yours if the person shows up in compliance or with the violation corrected. If nothing else, the fine could be drastically reduced but I think your chances would be good for a dismissal.

I can't believe that a ticket for expired registration could result in points, increased insurance rates, or loss in driving privileges. Those letters are just mass marketing scare tactics by desperate lawyers.

Major04 · #7 09-24-2009, 10:00 AM

Just renew it on line and when you show up to court bring all your paperwork with you...ie insurance card, drivers license, emission test (if your state have this), and registration paper. https://edmv-sp.dot.state.nc.us/sp/N...erviceType=RPS

If you haven't done so...you can still drive your car as long as you print out that you are waiting for your sticker.

jerry56jr · #8 09-24-2009, 10:06 AM

Just pay the ticket! The court will not dismiss the ticket if you prove that you renewed it cause you renewed it after the ticket! They can not suspend your DL for an expired Reg. The cop came up on you at 2200hrs to run your plate through his computer which is linked to the Motor Vehicle system in your state, thats how he knew you were expired. Then when he went to your window he observed the expired Insp sticker. Just pay it and I'll bet you will never forget again! Your lucky, cause in some states they can tow your car for an expired Registration!

AzNMpower32 · #9 09-24-2009, 12:29 PM

Skip the lawyers, just show up in court, pay the fine and explain your situation like others said.

motordavid · #10 09-24-2009, 03:17 PM

A, I sympathize with trying to keep a stable full of vehicles registered and inspected
in NC...my jail house lawyer 50Cts: that ticket does not come with "points", but
I can't nail down the typical fine, as it really varies by county/court, etc. The max
for failed emissions/no insp renewal is ~$250, but not really your case.

In some counties it appears that one can "petition" the DA, before the court date,
showing your citation and proof of current renewed registration, and in some
jurisdictions, the DA will do a compliance dismissal; in some couties they will not.
In other counties, it appears one can show up early before your court "time", find
the DA or ADA, show citation and renewal and they may toss it also...
No idea of what Charlotte area will do for you. But, it is fine only, and a few hours
out of that day, for you. I would pass on the lawyer solicitations, imo.

I bet the cop was bored/sharp eyed, as it take some serious vision to spot our
lil' "date sticker" on the rear plate, and even sharper eyes to determine it is of
the current year's "color". I wouldn't sweat it, and I hope you get off, or pay
a slight fine only.
GL,mD

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