Driving car to US with expired tags

[EllieSLP]

Hi everyone,

I know this has come up in the past, but I can not find a thread where the person actually posted the outcome of their experience. I live in Canada and will be moving back to the US permanently next week. I plan to drive my car that has expired registration plates over the border (it's been out of compliance for two years). I do have current insurance on the car, but was wondering if I will have any problems. I'm looking to drive from Vancouver to San Fran and then have my car shipped to NY (where I'm moving and where the car was originally registered), where I will take care of the registration ASAP. I know this site deals with people moving/traveling to Mexico, but couldn't find a similar site for people living in Canada. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

E

[Tus Primos]

Have you checked with NY DMV online? You may be able to print a temporary permit to display in your window that would allow you to legally operate the car on US Highways until you get to NY.

[sm1mex]

I would think if you got stopped with an expired tag, you would surely get a ticket, then trying to pay it in that state could be tough.

[tomgates]

Make a hotel reservation at a hotel just across the border and have your car registration mailed to that hotel. Be sure to notify the hotel that you will be shipping something in care of them. People have stuff shipped to hotels quite often these days.

[El Cartero]

Seems to me your first problem is getting out of BC. I belive your insurance is tied directly with your plates. So that gives you two tickets. First driving without insurance and then no plates. That should cost youa grand and risk. Having thevehicle impounded.

Google New York State Highway Traffic Act or possibly Motor Vehicle Act to review their policies.

Did you consider trailering it to San Fran?

[Little Feather]

I used to go to Texas twice a year on expired plates. I was stopped once.

You have a grace period for a vehicle that has been out of the country. Since you will have current stateside insurance, you should not encounter any problem if you are stopped for expired plates or inspection.

[E=MC2]

I think that if you get stopped anywhere in California, you will get a ticket. I would check with New York and see if you can pay via Debit/Credit. Then if stopped you can show at least a receipt. Your cost will more than likely be for all years that car was not registered. I presume the car was previously registered in New York? If it was previously Titled/registered in Canada that will not be as easy a fix. Good Luck !

[lcscats]

How about a temporary DMV permit. Many states have these.

[Out1]

Check your insurance; it may not be valid without current registration.

[MtnMama]

Unless NY and California have a reciprocity agreement regarding traffic tickets, the tickets will never show up anywhere except in California, where you don't live. Drive carefully, stay close to the speed limit, and unless you commit a major infraction or are in an accident, you'll be fine.