đźš— Expired Tag or Registration in Florida: What You Need to Know
Many drivers don’t realize that something as routine as an expired vehicle registration can turn into a criminal charge in Florida. If your tag or registration has been expired for more than six months, and it’s your second offense, you could be facing misdemeanor charges and a permanent criminal record.
⚖️ What Does Florida Law Say?
Under Florida Statute § 322.07, if your vehicle registration has been expired for more than six months:
- A first offense is usually a civil infraction
- A second offense becomes a second-degree misdemeanor
🛑 Potential penalties include:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to 6 months of probation
- A $500 fine
Yes—it’s that serious. And it can appear on your permanent criminal record.
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🛡️ Are There Defenses to an Expired Tag Charge?
Absolutely. A skilled defense attorney may be able to challenge the charge based on:
- đź“‹ Inaccurate registration records
- 📬 Lack of proper notice or DMV error
- đźš™ You were not the registrant of the vehicle
- 🗂️ You’ve since corrected the issue and registered the vehicle
- ⚖️ Mitigating factors that warrant dismissal or pretrial diversion
These are defensible charges with the right legal strategy.
đź“ž Call for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been accused of driving with an expired tag or registration, don’t risk getting a permanent criminal record over something that may be fixable.
At Michael White, P.A., we help clients in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida resolve traffic-related criminal charges quickly and affordably.
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your consultation online today.
đź’¬ Frequently Asked Questions: Expired Tag Charges in Florida
Q1: Is driving with an expired tag a crime in Florida?
A: Not always. A first offense is usually a non-criminal traffic infraction, but a second or subsequent offense can be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor.
Q2: What are the penalties for a second expired registration charge in Florida?
A: You may face up to 60 days in jail, 6 months of probation, and a $500 fine. It can also result in a permanent criminal record.
Q3: Can I get a criminal record from an expired tag citation?
A: Yes. If charged criminally and convicted, it becomes part of your permanent record. That’s why legal representation is crucial—even for seemingly minor charges.
Q4: What are possible defenses to an expired registration charge?
A: Common defenses include DMV error, lack of notice, recent vehicle purchase, or proof that the issue has been corrected. Your attorney can also pursue dismissal or diversion.
Q5: Will fixing my expired registration make the charge go away?
A: Not automatically. However, showing that the issue has been corrected can help your attorney negotiate a dismissal, reduction, or entry into a diversion program.
