Expired Registration Lawyer in Chicago
If you received a ticket for expired registration in Illinois, our Chicago traffic lawyers can help you resolve it quickly and avoid unnecessary penalties.
If you were pulled over for driving with an expired registration, you’re not alone. Illinois law requires every vehicle registered in the state to display a current registration sticker on the rear license plate, and that sticker must be renewed every year. Since expiration dates vary, it’s easy for drivers to lose track.
The Illinois Secretary of State no longer mails paper reminders, and unless you’ve signed up for email alerts, the responsibility falls entirely on you to check whether your registration is up to date. Because of this, many people only discover their registration has lapsed when a police officer stops them for expired tags.
Penalties For Driving With An Expired Registration
In Illinois, driving with expired tags is considered a non-moving or administrative violation, which means it typically results in a fine and does not add points to your driving record. Most drivers can resolve the issue by paying the $90 ticket and renewing their registration as soon as possible. Keep in mind that waiting more than 30 days to renew will trigger an additional $20 late fee.
It’s also a good idea to bring proof of your renewed registration to your court date.
If you were stopped while waiting for your new stickers to arrive, you may still face a citation. Illinois allows drivers to display a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) while their updated plates are being processed. These permits last for 90 days and can be renewed if your new tags have not yet been delivered.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving the Chicagoland area, call (312) 344-3340.
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Frequently asked questions
If you’ve been cited for driving with expired tags in Illinois, these FAQs can help you understand what to expect and when it may be time to contact a Chicago expired registration lawyer for guidance.
Can an expired registration ticket be dismissed in Illinois?
Yes, an expired registration ticket can be dismissed. If you renew your registration before your court date and bring proof with you, many courts will reduce or dismiss the ticket. While dismissal is not guaranteed, showing updated registration almost always leads to a better outcome than appearing without it.
When does an expired registration ticket become a more serious offense?
Expired registration becomes far more serious if it is issued along with another violation. For example, driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked registration is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. This carries penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500, along with a criminal record and an impact on your driving privileges. In these cases, speaking with a traffic ticket attorney is strongly recommended.
Do I need to go to court for an expired registration ticket?
In most cases, yes. Many expired registration citations include “Court Appearance Required” on the ticket. Failing to appear can lead to additional penalties. Bringing proof that you renewed your registration before your court date can significantly improve your outcome.
Should I hire a lawyer for an expired registration ticket?
For a simple expired registration violation, you may not need an attorney because it is an administrative offense that does not go on your driving record. However, if your ticket is paired with a more serious charge, such as driving without insurance or driving on a suspended license, an attorney can protect you from fines, license suspension, or a criminal conviction. At Kovacevic Law, we can help you with that.
What steps should I take after getting a ticket for expired registration?
First, read your ticket carefully so you understand the violation and your court date. Next, renew your registration as soon as possible — you can do this online, by mail, or in person as long as you have your Registration ID and PIN. Finally, bring proof of renewal to your court appearance. If you also received a moving violation, consult a traffic ticket lawyer to understand your options.