Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Expired Registration in Texas: Understanding the Law and Resolving Your Royse City Ticket
Texas Expired Registration Ticket
Driving with an expired vehicle registration is a common traffic violation in Texas, and it can lead to more problems than just a roadside ticket. While it might seem like a minor oversight, understanding the specific laws and how to properly resolve an expired registration ticket in Royse City Municipal Court is crucial to protect your driving record and avoid further penalties.
This article outlines the relevant Texas laws concerning expired registration and explains the best ways to address a citation in Royse City. If you’ve received a ticket for expired registration in Royse City, contact Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 to discuss your options.
Texas Law on Expired Registration
The law governing vehicle registration is found in the Texas Transportation Code. Specifically, Texas Transportation Code Section 502.407, “Operation of Vehicle With Expired License Plate,” outlines the offense:
- Grace Period: A person commits an offense if they operate a vehicle on a public highway after the fifth working day following the expiration date of the vehicle’s registration, and the license plate has not been validated with a current registration insignia. This means you have a five working-day grace period after your registration expires before you can legally be cited.
- Fines: The general fine for an expired registration can be up to $200, plus court costs.
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Resolving an Expired Registration Ticket in Royse City Municipal Court
Royse City Municipal Court, like many courts in Texas, provides a specific pathway for dismissing expired registration tickets under a “compliance dismissal” provision. This is often the best outcome, as it prevents a conviction from appearing on your driving record.
Here’s how it generally works and what you need to do:
- Remedy the Defect Promptly:
- You must renew your vehicle’s registration. This involves getting a current vehicle inspection (if required in Rockwall County) and then renewing your registration with the county tax assessor-collector’s office.
- Crucially, if your registration was significantly expired, you will likely have to pay a delinquent registration penalty fee (often 20% of the registration fee) to the county tax office when you renew. It is essential to ensure this penalty is paid, as the court often requires proof of its payment for dismissal.
- Provide Proof to the Court: You must present proof of your renewed registration (and proof of the penalty payment, if applicable) to the Royse City Municipal Court.
- Timing is Key: The law typically allows for dismissal if you remedy the defect not later than the 20th working day after the date of the offense or before your first court appearance date, whichever is later. It is vital to meet this deadline.
- Administrative Fee: Even if the charge is dismissed, the court may assess a small administrative or reimbursement fee, usually not to exceed $20.
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What happens if you don’t or can’t meet these requirements?
If you fail to renew your registration in time or cannot provide the necessary proof, the court may not dismiss the charge. In such cases, you could face:
- The Full Fine: You would be responsible for paying the full fine amount for the expired registration offense, plus court costs.
- A Conviction on Your Record: Paying the fine results in a conviction on your driving record. While an expired registration conviction might seem minor compared to speeding, any conviction can potentially impact your insurance rates.
Why You Should Consult an Attorney for an Expired Registration Ticket
While an expired registration ticket seems straightforward, involving an attorney can offer several advantages:
- Ensuring Proper Dismissal: An attorney can ensure you follow the exact procedures required by Royse City Municipal Court to get the dismissal, including providing all necessary documentation and meeting deadlines. This minimizes the risk of inadvertently getting a conviction.
- Navigating Court Procedures: If your situation doesn’t perfectly fit the compliance dismissal criteria (e.g., you missed the deadline, or there are other charges), an attorney can help you explore alternative options like deferred disposition to keep the offense off your record.
- Protecting Your Record: Any conviction, even for expired registration, can contribute to a pattern on your driving record that insurance companies might view negatively, potentially leading to higher premiums. An attorney’s primary goal is to protect your record.
- Saving Time and Stress: Dealing with court procedures and understanding legal requirements can be time-consuming and stressful. An attorney can handle these details on your behalf, often allowing you to avoid multiple court appearances.
Don’t let an expired registration ticket become a permanent stain on your driving record. Take proactive steps to resolve it correctly.
If you have received a ticket for expired registration in Royse City, contact the experienced traffic ticket attorneys at Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 for a consultation. We can help you navigate the process and work towards the best possible outcome.
