Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Expired Registration Tickets in Texas: Understanding Dismissal and Court Fees
Traffic Ticket Defense Texas
Receiving an expired registration ticket in Texas can be a frustrating experience, especially when you learn that even with a dismissal, a fee might still apply. The laws surrounding these violations can indeed be confusing, but understanding them is key to navigating the process effectively. This article delves into the relevant Texas statutes, explaining the conditions for dismissal and why courts are permitted to assess a fee even when your case is resolved favorably. If you’re facing an expired registration ticket and wish to discuss your options with an experienced attorney, please feel free to contact the Beltz Law Group at 214-321-4105.
The Offense: Texas Transportation Code, Section 502.407
The core of an expired registration violation is outlined in Texas Transportation Code Section 502.407: OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITH EXPIRED LICENSE PLATE. This statute clarifies when an offense occurs:
(a) A person commits an offense if, after the fifth working day after the date the registration for the vehicle expires: (1) the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that has attached to it a license plate for the preceding period; and (2) the license plate has not been validated by the attachment of a registration insignia for the registration period in effect.
In essence, you commit an offense if you operate a vehicle on a public highway with an expired license plate (meaning the sticker from the previous year) and haven’t updated it with the current registration insignia, and it’s been more than five working days since your registration expired.
Pathways to Dismissal and the Reimbursement Fee
Section 502.407 also provides a crucial pathway for dismissal, along with a provision for a reimbursement fee:
(b) A justice of the peace or municipal court judge having jurisdiction of the offense may: (1) dismiss a charge of driving with an expired motor vehicle registration if the defendant: (A) remedies the defect not later than the 20th working day after the date of the offense or before the defendant’s first court appearance date, whichever is later; and (B) establishes that the fee prescribed by Section 502.045 has been paid; and (2) assess a reimbursement fee not to exceed $20 when the charge is dismissed.
This subsection is critical. It empowers the court to dismiss your charge under specific conditions:
- Remedy the Defect: You must renew your vehicle’s registration. This must be done within 20 working days after the date of the offense, or before your first scheduled court appearance date, whichever provides you with more time. In most cases, 20 working days will be the longer period, as court appearance dates are often set sooner.
- Pay the Delinquent Fee (Section 502.045): This is where the confusion often arises. Simply renewing your registration isn’t enough. You must also prove that you’ve paid the delinquent registration fee as prescribed by Section 502.045: DELINQUENT REGISTRATION.
Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney
Understanding Section 502.045: The Delinquent Fee
Section 502.045 details how registration fees become delinquent and outlines additional charges. Importantly, Subsection (d)(2) states that a person who has received a citation for an expired registration (Section 502.472, which cross-references 502.407) must pay an additional charge equal to 20 percent of the prescribed registration fee when they register their vehicle.
This means that when you go to renew your registration after receiving a ticket, you’ll be charged not only the standard registration fee but also this 20% delinquent fee. It is the payment of both the renewed registration and this specific delinquent fee that qualifies your case for dismissal under Section 502.407(b)(1)(B). Make sure to inform the registration office that you received a ticket so they include this required fee.
The Dismissal Fee: Why It’s Charged
Even after successfully renewing your registration and paying the delinquent fee, the court is legally permitted to assess a reimbursement fee not to exceed $20 when the charge is dismissed.
While it may seem counterintuitive to pay a fee for a dismissed case, the legislature’s intent is likely to cover the administrative costs associated with processing the citation and the subsequent dismissal. We understand this can be frustrating for clients who have already taken the necessary steps to rectify the situation. However, this $20 fee is mandated by law and cannot be waived by the court or your attorney.
Steps to Take for Dismissal
To pursue a dismissal for an expired registration ticket:
- Renew Your Registration Promptly: Do this within the timeframe specified (20 working days from the offense date or before your first court appearance, whichever is later).
- Ensure Delinquent Fee Payment: When renewing, explicitly mention that you received a ticket so the 20% delinquent fee is added and paid.
- Obtain Proof of Payment: Keep your registration receipt as proof that both the renewal and the delinquent fee have been paid.
- Present Proof to the Court: You can either present this proof directly to the court or, more effectively, provide it to your traffic ticket attorney.
North Texas Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer
How Beltz Law Group Can Help
Dealing with an expired registration ticket, even one eligible for dismissal, can involve navigating court procedures and understanding the specific requirements. Our experienced traffic ticket attorneys at Beltz Law Group can streamline this process for you:
- Guidance on Remedying the Defect: We can confirm the exact deadline and advise you on how to properly renew your registration and ensure the delinquent fee is paid.
- Court Representation: We can appear in court on your behalf, present the necessary documentation, and secure the dismissal of your charge. This saves you time and ensures all legal requirements are met.
- Clarification of Fees: We’ll clearly explain all associated fees, including the non-waivable $20 dismissal fee, so there are no surprises.
If you have an expired registration ticket and would like to discuss how we can assist you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 214-321-4105. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome for their traffic violations.
