Yes, your car can absolutely be towed for not having valid license plates or registration tags. This is a common enforcement action across the United States because driving or parking a vehicle without current registration is illegal. It's considered a moving violation if you're driving and a parking violation if the car is parked on a public street. Law enforcement and parking authorities have the right to impound a vehicle that displays expired or missing tags to ensure public safety, proper vehicle identification, and compliance with tax and registration laws.
The primary reason for towing is that valid tags prove your vehicle is registered, insured, and has passed any required safety or emissions inspections. Without them, it's difficult to identify the owner or determine if the car is stolen. Vehicle registration is mandatory in all 50 states, and penalties vary by jurisdiction. For example, in California, parking an unregistered vehicle on a public street can lead to immediate towing under the California Vehicle Code. Similarly, in New York, authorities may tow a car after a certain grace period post-expiration.
If your car is towed for no tags, you'll face significant costs beyond the initial fine. These typically include towing fees (often $100-$300), daily impound lot storage fees ($30-$50 per day), and the cost to renew your registration. To get your car back, you must provide proof of current registration, valid insurance, and pay all outstanding fines. This process can take days and cause major inconvenience.
To avoid this, set reminders for your registration renewal date. Most states offer online renewal options, and some provide a brief grace period, but it's not a guarantee against enforcement. If your tags are stolen or lost, report it to the police and visit your local DMV immediately for replacements. Keeping your registration current is a simple way to prevent unnecessary headaches and expenses.
| State | Common Fine for Expired Tags | Typical Towing Trigger | Grace Period (if any) |
|---|
| California | $100 - $200 | Parking on public street | 0 days (strict) |
| Texas | $50 - $200 | Over 60 days expired | 5 business days |
| Florida | $30 - $100 | Complaint or inspection | 10 days |
| New York | $40 - $300 | Any expired registration | 0 days (strict) |
| Illinois | $60 - $150 | Parking enforcement | 30 days |
