NY VTL 512: driving with registration suspended or revoked

Driving a vehicle that isn’t registered can be a headache, but if you’re pulled over driving a vehicle for which the registration was revoked or suspended, that’s a much more serious charge. The first is a non-moving violation that is usually resolved by getting the car registered and paying a fine, but the latter is a misdemeanor that can carry a higher fine and a greater chance of jail time.

When a ticket for driving on a revoked registration, suspended registration, or even expired registration is written, it’s because Department of Motor Vehicles records show that some kind of fee hasn’t been paid. This could be:

• the motor vehicle registration fee,

• liability insurance for the vehicle, or

• tolls for using a toll road or toll bridge without an EZ-Pass tag.

Not getting a vehicle registered, or not renewing the registration, is a non-moving violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law §401. This means that no points on your license for pleading guilty, but the fine can be close to $400 with surcharges, and even a 15-day jail sentence is within the judge’s power.

When a registration is suspended or revoked, it’s because the insurance lapsed or the tolls haven’t been paid. This more serious charge, VTL §512, is considered an unclassified misdemeanor that can result in a 30-day jail stay on the first conviction, as well as a fine. Traffic misdemeanors stay on your record for three years, which can impact future insurance rates.

If you’re given a ticket for a suspended registration, revoked registration, or expired registration in the Hudson Valley, get a Selby Legal free consult to learn about your options.