Posted by duijim in on February 21, 2015
Suspended Registration Vs. Expired Tag
Being charged with Suspended Registration is entirely different than being charged with Expired Tag.A Suspended Registration charge requires a minimum $500 fine, this charge goes on your driving history, and will suspend your driver’s license. The license suspension is for 120 days, and there is a limited permit for work, school, etc.
However, it is always best to avoid having your license suspended. Pleading Nolo Contendere, or No Contest, to this violation will not stop the license suspension.
An Expired Tag citation does not go on your driving history, does not suspend your driver’s license, and carries a small fine. Expired Tag citations are usually considered minor document charges by the courts.
Suspended Registration: Your Best Defense
Suspended Registration tickets require that the person driving the vehicle knew the registration was suspended. Many times the prosecution cannot meet this knowledge requirement. Every vehicle’s registration has a history the same way a driver’s license has a driving history.
The prosecutor must check the vehicle’s registration history to see if the owner was given notice that their vehicle’s registration was suspended. Even if the owner was given notice of the suspension this does not mean the driver of the vehicle had knowledge of the suspension. Make sure you don’t plead to this charge when it should be dismissed, or reduced.
Many times if the person who received the ticket appears in court with proof that they have reinstated, and renewed, their registration the prosecutor will dismiss, or reduce the charge. The charge is usually reduced to Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Tag. Many people end up getting convicted of Driving With A Suspended Registration when they never should be. Make sure this does not happen to you.
Suspended Registration: More Information
Our DUI Lawyer in Atlanta, Jim Yeargan offers a free consultation for those dealing with a suspended registration.
Sincerely,
Jim Yeargan
Attorney at Law
404-467-1747
FAQs
Registration Reinstatement After Suspension
- Obtain and keep continuous Georgia liability insurance coverage.
- Pay a lapse fine of $25.
- Pay a reinstatement fee of $60.
- Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due (these fee and tax amounts can be obtained from the County Tag Office)
Suspension of Vehicle Registration
If no payment is made AND no new insurance information is received within 30 days of the “Notice of Pending Suspension” the registration is suspended. During this period: A license plate will not be issued, transferred, replaced, or renewed. The vehicle cannot be driven.
How do I appeal a DUI suspension in Georgia? ›
A timely appeal or request for hearing must be made within 30 calendar days and should be accompanied by the $150 filing fee. It must include certain basic driver identification information (name, address, phone, license number, date of birth), but should also state the “grounds” or reasons for appealing.
Can you go to jail for suspended registration in Georgia? ›
What are the Georgia penalties for driving with a suspended registration? A person who drives a motor vehicle on any public road in Georgia without a valid vehicle registration shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by imprisonment of up to 12 months.
How to reinstate registration in GA? ›
How to reinstate registration. You can reinstate your canceled registration by submitting the following to your County Tag Office: Payment of all ad valorem taxes and registration fines. Acceptable proof of Georgia Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Coverage.
What is the penalty for driving without registration in Georgia? ›
Improper registration (failure to obtain Georgia tag) – $135. No county decal (first offense) – $30. No county decal (second offense) – $135. No tag – $135.
What is 40 6 15 in Georgia? ›
(a) Any person who knowingly drives a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state at a time when the vehicle registration of such vehicle is suspended, canceled, or revoked shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
How much is the reinstatement fee in GA? ›
The suspension fee in Georgia is $25 for the first suspension and $50 for subsequent suspensions. The reinstatement fee is $210 for the first offense, $310 for the second offense, and $410 for the third offense. The new license fee is $32.
How long can your license be suspended in Georgia? ›
The duration of license suspension can vary from 60 days to several years. Alongside license suspension, numerous other penalties, such as incarceration, fines, community service, probation, and the installation of an ignition interlock device, can coincide with a conviction.
What is the 30 day rule for DUI in Georgia? ›
Georgia 30-Day Letter
Drivers arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Georgia have 30 days from the date of their arrest to submit an appeal letter to stop the suspension of their license.
Reinstatement FAQs - Driving Under The Influence (DUI) (First Offense) Drivers Age 21 And Over. A DUI suspense, first offense in 5 years, will be suspended for 12 months. However, at the end of 120 days, the driver can apply for reinstatement if all the conditions, listed below, are met.
Can you plead down a DUI in Georgia? ›
If you have been charged with DUI in Georgia, your case could be resolved through a plea bargain before it even goes to trial. A plea bargain means that you agree to a lesser charge and the penalties for this charge will be agreed upon by your DUI defense attorney and the prosecution.
What is the penalty for driving with expired registration in Georgia? ›
Improper registration or failure to obtain a tag in the state of Georgia can result in fines that are approximately one hundred thirty-five dollars. Lack of a county tag typically results in approximately a thirty dollar fine an individual's first offense.
How long can you ride around with expired tags in Georgia? ›
In Georgia, you have until the fifth day of the following month to renew your tag after it expires. After that, you may be subject to penalties and fines.
Can you go to jail for driving without insurance in Georgia? ›
Driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor charge in Georgia. This means that if you are convicted of driving without insurance, you will subject to a fine between $200.00 and $1,000.00, up to 12 months in jail, or both. In addition, you will lose your license for at least 60 days up to 90 days.
Can I cancel my GA registration online? ›
You can cancel your vehicle registration online or in person. Visit the DRIVES e-Services website. Follow the prompts to cancel your registration.
What happens if your insurance lapses in GA? ›
Consequences of Lapse or Loss of Insurance Coverage
Suspend or revoke registration of any vehicle that does not have continuous Georgia Liability insurance coverage. Failure to pay the $25 lapse fine in a timely manner will also result in the registration being suspended.
What happens if you get pulled over with expired registration in GA? ›
Driving without valid registration is a criminal offense in Georgia, meaning a conviction may result in jail time and fines, as well as additional criminal penalties. This is not a mere traffic ticket that can be paid and that may only result in points assessed on your driving record.
