02:15
Faizan
There's nothing worse than that sinking feeling you get when you see a police car's flashing lights in your rearview mirror. If you don't have any idea what you did wrong to get pulled over, it's possible that you simply forgot to renew your car's inspection sticker. State law varies on the consequences you might face and how you can respond if you get a ticket.
Tickets and Grace Periods
If you get pulled over for an overdue inspection sticker, chances are high that the officer will give you a ticket. However, some states build in a grace period between when your registration expires and when you can be ticketed. In Texas, for example, you have a five-day grace period after your inspection expires to get a new one. If you're issued a ticket during a grace period, then you might be able to get the court to dismiss the ticket.
Fixing Your Mistake
Some states give you an opportunity to fix your mistake so you don't have to pay the full price of your ticket. In Texas, for example, you can get your car inspected within 20 days of receiving a ticket. If you do, you can pay a fee of $20 and your ticket will be dismissed. However, this option is only available if your inspection isn't more than 60 days expired.
Insurance and Other Consequences
Some states build in additional consequences for getting a ticket for an expired inspection sticker. In Massachusetts, all driving tickets including tickets for an expired inspection sticker could cause your insurance premiums to increase. In addition, every ticket is counted as a surchargeable event in Massachusetts, meaning it can increase your insurance. If you have five moving violations, you might get your license suspended.
Rejection Stickers
Some states, like Virginia, will give you a rejection sticker if you fail the inspection. The sticker starts the clock and you have 15 days to get your car fixed so it can pass an inspection. However, the sticker isn't a “get out of jail free” card. In fact, the sticker itself gives police officers reasonable suspicion to pull you over. You can be issued an additional ticket for driving with improper or defective equipment.
Tickets and Grace Periods
If you get pulled over for an overdue inspection sticker, chances are high that the officer will give you a ticket. However, some states build in a grace period between when your registration expires and when you can be ticketed. In Texas, for example, you have a five-day grace period after your inspection expires to get a new one. If you're issued a ticket during a grace period, then you might be able to get the court to dismiss the ticket.
Fixing Your Mistake
Some states give you an opportunity to fix your mistake so you don't have to pay the full price of your ticket. In Texas, for example, you can get your car inspected within 20 days of receiving a ticket. If you do, you can pay a fee of $20 and your ticket will be dismissed. However, this option is only available if your inspection isn't more than 60 days expired.
Insurance and Other Consequences
Some states build in additional consequences for getting a ticket for an expired inspection sticker. In Massachusetts, all driving tickets including tickets for an expired inspection sticker could cause your insurance premiums to increase. In addition, every ticket is counted as a surchargeable event in Massachusetts, meaning it can increase your insurance. If you have five moving violations, you might get your license suspended.
Rejection Stickers
Some states, like Virginia, will give you a rejection sticker if you fail the inspection. The sticker starts the clock and you have 15 days to get your car fixed so it can pass an inspection. However, the sticker isn't a “get out of jail free” card. In fact, the sticker itself gives police officers reasonable suspicion to pull you over. You can be issued an additional ticket for driving with improper or defective equipment.
Posted in: Driving Tips
