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A license plate suspension can cause some issues for drivers, especially in Illinois. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding the rules and consequences is essential. Additionally, it’s important to address the reasons behind your suspension to avoid further penalties. This article covers key topics related to driving with suspended registrations and why Insured ASAP can help if your suspension is due to a lack of liability insurance.
Can You Register a Car with a Suspended License?
In Illinois, having a suspended driver’s license doesn’t automatically prevent you from registering your car. Vehicle registration and driver’s licensing are separate processes. However, you may face difficulties if your registration suspension is tied to unresolved violations, fines, or lack of required insurance.
If your license is suspended due to an insurance-related violation, you must provide proof of liability insurance before reinstating your vehicle registration. Contact Insured ASAP for affordable liability insurance to resolve this issue quickly.
Can Someone Else Register My Car if My Registration Is Suspended?
Registration suspensions are tied to the vehicle license plate, not the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the registered owner. Having another individual, whether friend or family, register your your car if your registration is suspended is essentially selling your vehicle. Many states, including Illinois, have a Private Party Vehicle Use Tax. This is defined as:
The tax is imposed on motor vehicles purchased (or acquired by gift or transfer) from another individual or private party. (Sales of motor vehicles from registered Illinois dealers are taxed under the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act.)
If someone else registers your vehicle in his/her name because your registration is suspended, that transfer can trigger your state’s normal sales tax, title fees, and registration costs. Beyond the obvious risk of title fraud, putting a vehicle in another person’s name can create some real headaches around liability, tickets, tolls, impounds, and ownership disputes.
Consider calling your local DMV or IL SOS office first to understand the potential consequences.
Can You Renew Your Tags with a Suspended License?
If your vehicle registration is suspended, you generally cannot renew your tags until the suspension is cleared. In Illinois, that usually means taking care of the issue that caused the suspension, such as:
- Paying any outstanding fines or reinstatement fees
- Providing proof of liability insurance
- Completing any other state-required steps tied to the suspension.
If the suspension is tied to an insurance lapse, Insured ASAP can quote liability coverage so you can get compliant and reinstate your license plates immediately.
Driving with Expired Registration
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Illinois. You can be stopped and fined, and repeat issues can lead to bigger penalties. If your tags are expired or suspended because insurance coverage has lapsed, the first step is getting the proper insurance in place before attempting to handle the reinstatement steps.
Common Reasons a License Plate Can Be Suspended
A license plate suspnesion happens when the State of IL invalidates the vehicle’s registration due to non-compliance. That makes driving the vehicle illegal and can carry serious penalties. Common causes include:
- No liability insurance on file: In Illinois, an insurance lapse or cancellation can trigger a suspension
- Unpaid tickets or tolls: Unresolved violations can lead to registration holds or suspensions
- Late registration renewal: Letting your registration expire can create suspension issues
- Emissions non compliance: In certain areas in Illinois, missing required emissions testing can cause problems.
Addressing these issues as fast as possible is critical to avoiding further penalties or complications.
Driver’s License Suspension: Common Causes
Driver’s license suspensions can arise from both driving-related and non-driving-related offenses. Losing your license affects your ability to legally operate a vehicle and can lead to further complications. Common causes of driver’s license suspension include:
- Excessive Traffic Violations: Accumulating too many points from infractions may result in suspension.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): DUI offenses typically lead to automatic license suspension.
- Failure to Pay Fines or Child Support: Unresolved financial obligations, such as unpaid court fines or child support, can trigger suspension.
- Insurance-Related Offenses: Driving without insurance or failing to provide proof of insurance after an accident can lead to suspension.
- Non-Compliance with Legal Requirements: Missing court appearances or failing to complete mandatory programs like traffic school can result in suspension. Non compliance with court required SR-22 filing also results in a drivers license suspension.
Resolving these issues is essential for reinstating your driving privileges and avoiding additional consequences.
How Much Is the Penalty for Driving with Suspended Registration?
Penalties for driving with a suspended registration vary by state and situation but may include:
- Illinois: Fines range from $500 to $1,000. Additional penalties, such as license suspension or impounding your vehicle, may apply.
To avoid these costly penalties, ensure your vehicle is properly insured and registered. Insured ASAP can assist you in obtaining affordable liability insurance to get your registration reinstated.
Take Action Today
If your registration is suspended due to a lack of liability insurance, don’t wait to resolve the issue. Driving with a suspended registration can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and further complications. Visit Insured ASAP to get a free quote today.
Our affordable insurance options can help you reinstate your registration and get back on the road legally and quickly. Don’t risk the penalties—contact us now for the coverage you need.
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