As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle’s registration remains valid at all times. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and consequences under NRS 482.456.
Sometimes, you simply may forget to renew your registration in time. Other times, you may be facing financial difficulties and unable to pay the necessary fees or fines. Whatever the reason, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences of driving with suspended registration and how to handle such a situation.
If you have been ticketed for driving with a suspended registration, contact our office immediately. Ticket Busters has extensive experience in handling traffic violations, including driving with suspended registration charges. Our team of skilled attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and work towards a favorable outcome. Call us at (702) 666-6666 to discuss your situation for free.
What the Law Says—Important Highlights
Under NRS 482.456, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with suspended registration. This includes operating any motor vehicle on public roads or highways within the state of Nevada.
Additionally, NRS 482.456 also makes it unlawful for an owner to allow anyone else to operate their vehicle while knowing that the registration has been suspended.
It also mentions penalties for violating this law, which are discussed in detail below.
Reasons for Registration Suspension
There are numerous reasons why a vehicle’s registration may be suspended. Some of the most common ones include:
Insurance Lapses
One of the most common reasons for registration suspension is driving without car insurance. If you let your coverage lapse, your insurance provider must notify the DMV. When this happens, you’ll need to follow the DMV reinstatement process along with paying fees and fulfilling other requirements.
For example, if your insurance lapses for 30 days or less and this is the first offense in the last 5 years, the fee is $250. But if your insurance lapses between 31-90 days and it’s your second offense in 5 years, expect to shell out $1,000 just to get your registration back.
Unpaid Fees or Fines
Outstanding parking tickets or unpaid registration fees can also lead to suspension. In some jurisdictions, delinquent tickets on registered vehicles can cause registration suspension.
Other Violations
Your registration can also be suspended for various other reasons. For example, if you were convicted of driving under the influence or DUI in Nevada, your registration will be suspended. Note that this is separate from your license suspension.
Consequences of Driving with Suspended Registration
Driving with a suspended registration is considered a misdemeanor under NRS 482.456 and carries significant penalties including:
- Legal penalties
- Financial implications
- Impact on driving record
We’ll go over these in more detail below starting with the legal consequences.
While a lot of traffic tickets were decriminalized starting last year, this one was not one of them. That means, if caught, you can face charges that results in jail time and a criminal record.
Penalties for Driving with Suspended Registration
If you drive a vehicle with suspended registration, you’re facing serious consequences. The law states that this offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Imprisonment in county jail for 30 days to 6 months, or
- Residential confinement for 60 days to 6 months, plus a fine of $500 to $1,000
It’s important to note that these penalties don’t apply if your suspension period has ended, but you haven’t yet reinstated your registration.
Penalties for Allowing Others to Drive Suspended Vehicle
Knowingly allowing someone else to drive your vehicle with suspended registration is also a misdemeanor. While the specific penalties aren’t detailed in the statute, misdemeanors in Nevada often carry up to 6 months of jail time and fines of up to $1,000.
Financial Implications
Aside from the legal consequences, driving with suspended registration can also result in significant financial penalties. This includes paying fines for the initial suspension and any additional fees or fines that may have been accrued during the suspension period.
Apart from the legal penalties above, getting your registration reinstated with the DMV also requires fees as you can see from the example above.
Impact on Driving Record
Driving with suspended registration can also impact your driving record negatively. This offense and its penalties will be recorded and remain on your driving record for a few years. This means that future employers and insurance providers will see this mark against your name when making decisions involving you.
Rights and Responsibilities of Vehicle Owners
As vehicle owners, you have specific responsibilities when it comes to your registration and license plates. First, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have a valid registration.
If your registration is suspended, you’re required to return your certificate of registration and license plates to the DMV. Failing to return your registration and plates can lead to serious consequences. In Nevada, willfully failing to return these items is considered a misdemeanor.
This can result in fines and potential legal action as mentioned in the previous section. Additionally, you may face increased fees when attempting to renew your registration or apply for new plates in the future.
Reinstating a Suspended Registration through DMV
If you have been ticketed for driving with suspended registration, it’s important to go through the reinstatement process as soon as possible. This involves paying any outstanding fees and fines, providing proof of insurance, and completing any necessary paperwork.
Depending on the circumstances, the reinstatement process can be done online or in-person at a DMV office. You must reinstate in person at a DMV office if:
- you are required to maintain an SR-22 insurance policy for this lapse.
- you need a movement permit to drive the vehicle
- you need new license plates
For example, if your insurance lapsed and you now have a valid insurance, that will be one of the requirements before you can reinstate your registration.
Common Defenses to an Expired Registration Ticket
If you have been ticketed for driving with suspended registration, there are some potential defenses that could help your case. These include:
- Inaccurate or invalid suspension notice from the DMV
- The vehicle was not in operation during the suspension period
- You had no knowledge of the suspension (for example, if the notice was sent to an incorrect address)
It’s important to note that these defenses may not guarantee a dismissal of your ticket, but they can potentially lessen the penalties you face. It’s always recommended to consult with a legal professional if you plan on defending yourself against an expired registration ticket.
Facing a Traffic Ticket? Contact Ticket Busters
As a vehicle owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your registration is up-to-date and valid. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences, both legally and financially. If you’re facing a traffic ticket of any kind, Ticket Busters can help.
Our experienced attorneys have helped thousands of clients fight their tickets and reduce potential penalties.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road.
