In Florida, as like in any other state, driving a vehicle whether a pickup truck, passenger car, motorcycle, trailers, SUV, and the like, requires you to have a registration.
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Plate, sticker, and certificate
This registration, also called a tag in FL, includes three items. A FL license plate to place at the rear of your vehicle, a decal sticker you must stick on the upper right of your license plate, and a paper registration certificate. In Florida, you can register your vehicle one year or two years at a time.
It expires at midnight on your birthday. According to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, Florida has 18 million licensed drivers and over 23 million registered motor vehicles, motorcycles, mobile homes, travel trailers, and vessels.
Register online, even if you need to transfer title
If you buy a car directly from a dealership, they’ll give you a temporary FL license plate typically made out of paper. Then they’ll deliver the metal license plate, typically within a month. But if you buy from a private party, he or she will keep their own license plates and you’ll have to get your own. You can register your vehicle for license plates and sticker with a tag agency, or just apply online from your computer or cellphone.
With eTags, registering your car is convenient and quick. Just answer a few questions about the make and model, submit your shipping address and that’s all. If you bought from a private seller, that means you’ll probably have to transfer the title in your name. The title of the car is about ownership, registration is about being allowed to legally drive it. With eTags, you can do both processes at the same time, even if the title comes from another state.
Unregistered vehicle results in a $500 fine plus 60 days in jail
The registration allows you to drive legally, but you must also carry auto insurance. If you’re caught with driving an unregistered vehicle, you’re committing a criminal offense. A second-degree misdemeanor, equal to petit-theft, simple assault, driving without a driver’s license and the like.
If a police officer pulls you over and discovers your vehicle is not registered, you could be looking at a fine of up to $500 plus 60 days in jail. Law enforcement can stop you for speeding, running a red light, distracted driving, or other moving violation, but when they run your license plates, that’s when they can discover you don’t hold a registration.
Expired car registration in Florida
If you’re caught driving with an expired car registration, you can get away with just a citation generally. Probably less than a $100 fine if it’s the first time you’re caught. But if you’re caught a second time or more, you’ll face second-degree misdemeanor charges. More than 60 days expired results of jail time for up to two months. You may also be faced with 6 months of probation and. Higher auto insurance costs.
SEE ALSO: FL ELECTRIC VEHICLE REGISTRATION MAY COST YOU AN EXTRA $200/YEAR
In the case of driving an unregistered vehicle (unlike just an expired tag) will most likely require to show up in court where you’ll have to plead guilty or not guilty. If you end having to do some jail time, know that the conviction means you’ll have a permanent record.
Drive safe, keep up to date with your car’s registration paperwork and plate!
