You might think about how long you can drive with expired tags in California if you have recently moved here. In California, you cannot go with expired tags, and there is no grace period for it. Therefore, the best way for you is to renew it before the tags expire and then change them as quickly as possible.
If the tags are not changed, then there are chances that you might be pulled over for having expired tags. You get around six months to get the new tags from the first offense, and if you don't do this, then the car can be impounded.
What happens when you get pulled over in California?
When you decide not to get the tags for the first time, and an officer pulls you over, then there are chances that you might get a 'fix-it' ticket from the officer. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees because different people can have different experiences.
If you come with proof that you have paid for the registration, but have not been able to receive the tag in your mail, then there is quite a bit of chance that the officer will not ticket you. As a progressive penalty system is followed in California, it can get expensive the longer you wait. Your car will be issued a citation and can get impounded.
How much are the tags?
The price of the tags is not the same for all the cars in California. You will be required to pay the base price and then the fee for your specific vehicle. The additional expense is entirely dependent on your car's type, mileage, and age. Usually, the base price is around $46, but it can double, as it depends on your vehicle.
Although you might find the price a little expensive, your vehicle can be taken away from you if you don't pay. So, there is no point in thinking about how long you can drive with expired tags because if you don't pay before expiry, it will be late fees. You might have to pay more fees if you are registering much later.
How to renew the tags in California?
It is quite a simple process to renew your tags in California, and you can do all the steps within just a few minutes. You have to keep in mind that if you wait longer to renew the tags, things can become harder and more expensive for you.
To renew the tags, you will be required to write down the license plate number on the application. Review all your previous information to make sure that it matches up. You also have to make sure that you can pay the fees and then accept the terms of paying for it. In the end, you will be receiving a receipt that can be used till the tags get to you.
Final Words
It is difficult to renew your tags in California, but things can get complicated if you drive expired tags. If you wonder how long can you drive with expired tags, the answer is simple: you can't go with expired tags in California. Other than that, it can become quite expensive for you to pay the registration fees. If you are new to the state, you should switch the license plate and make the tags your priority to avoid any consequences.