
What Happens if You Get a Ticket Because You Were Scared of Going Into the DMV
With the COVID-19 pandemic raging on, health officials have stressed that it is important to limit unnecessary interactions as much as possible.
Is a trip to the DMV something you can skip, or will you get ticketed for expired plates or expired drivers licenses?
In Illinois, people have been waiting for up to 6 hours outside of DMV centers in temperatures nearing 100 degrees.
Before you subject yourself to this, here's what you should know.
License Renewal
As license renewals are one of the main reasons people go to the DMV, many states are thinking of different ways to accommodate renewals in a safe, pandemic appropriate way.
Some states, such as California, are extending deadlines to prevent unneeded visits to the DMV. In states with these extensions, a person can drive with an expired license until a date specified by the state government.
Other states such as Texas are allowing residents to conduct license renewals online instead of in person.
Before you head to the DMV, search on Google for "your state, license, renewal."
Renewing Vehicle Registration
States are also making accommodations for renewing vehicle registrations. Many states, like Massachusetts, are extending deadlines for expired vehicle registrations. Texas has even waived initial vehicle registrations.
Google the laws in your state.
Driver License Testing
Taking a driving test is something that cannot be done remotely, and therefore serves as a greater challenge for DMVs to accommodate.
Georgia made headlines when, in an attempt to abide by social distancing guidelines, the state suspended the road test requirement for receiving a driver’s license all together. They have since changed to a modified contactless road test on a Department of Driver Services road course.
During these unprecedented times, states across the country are trying to find creative ways to allow their residents to receive the DMV services they need while also keeping them safe.
Regardless of why you need to make a trip to the DMV, you should always check your local DMV website beforehand to make sure you are aware of any changes in protocol for what you need specifically.
If you are pulled over, calmly explain to the officer why your plates or license is expired. But don't get mad. You can always try to fight it later with the help of one of our attorneys. In some cases, our fee may be less expensive than the ticket.
This article is intended to convey generally useful information only and does not constitute legal advice. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author, not LawChamps.
Is a trip to the DMV something you can skip, or will you get ticketed for expired plates or expired drivers licenses?
In Illinois, people have been waiting for up to 6 hours outside of DMV centers in temperatures nearing 100 degrees.
Before you subject yourself to this, here's what you should know.
License Renewal
As license renewals are one of the main reasons people go to the DMV, many states are thinking of different ways to accommodate renewals in a safe, pandemic appropriate way.
Some states, such as California, are extending deadlines to prevent unneeded visits to the DMV. In states with these extensions, a person can drive with an expired license until a date specified by the state government.
Other states such as Texas are allowing residents to conduct license renewals online instead of in person.
Before you head to the DMV, search on Google for "your state, license, renewal."
Renewing Vehicle Registration
States are also making accommodations for renewing vehicle registrations. Many states, like Massachusetts, are extending deadlines for expired vehicle registrations. Texas has even waived initial vehicle registrations.
Google the laws in your state.
Driver License Testing
Taking a driving test is something that cannot be done remotely, and therefore serves as a greater challenge for DMVs to accommodate.
Georgia made headlines when, in an attempt to abide by social distancing guidelines, the state suspended the road test requirement for receiving a driver’s license all together. They have since changed to a modified contactless road test on a Department of Driver Services road course.
During these unprecedented times, states across the country are trying to find creative ways to allow their residents to receive the DMV services they need while also keeping them safe.
Regardless of why you need to make a trip to the DMV, you should always check your local DMV website beforehand to make sure you are aware of any changes in protocol for what you need specifically.
If you are pulled over, calmly explain to the officer why your plates or license is expired. But don't get mad. You can always try to fight it later with the help of one of our attorneys. In some cases, our fee may be less expensive than the ticket.

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