UPDATE: Oklahoma City Police have issued an urgent warning as they confront a growing number of drivers with expired vehicle tags. Just yesterday, an officer pulled over a driver whose tag expired in May 2023, marking a troubling trend on local roads.
In a revealing post on social media, an officer stated, “It expired back in May of 2023, so you’re two years out of date. I wrote a citation for the expired tag. Take this car to the tag agency and get the tag updated.” This direct interaction highlights the pressing issue of vehicle registration compliance in the area.
As of now, Oklahoma law allows drivers a 30-day grace period after their tags expire. If they fail to register their vehicles within this time, they face a fee of $1 per day, up to a maximum of $100. After 90 days, the vehicle can be legally impounded.
Despite this grace period, expired tags remain a significant concern. Last month alone, Oklahoma registered 29,377 new vehicles and processed 174,000 registration renewals, yet numerous drivers continue to neglect their registration duties.
Earlier this year, lawmakers attempted to address this issue with proposed legislation. Representative Ross Ford of Broken Arrow introduced a bill aimed at reducing the impound time from 90 days to 60 days and increasing fines for offenders. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass on the House floor.
“We recognize it’s an issue,” stated Minority Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson. “It sounds like a notification issue. Maybe it’s an affordability issue. We don’t really know.”
Munson emphasized the need for further understanding of the challenges Oklahoma residents face in keeping their vehicle registrations current. She noted that the state has begun offering two-year registration fees, which have gained popularity among drivers.
Residents are urged to check their vehicle tags immediately to avoid penalties and potential impoundment. The Oklahoma Police Department continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages drivers to take action before they face fines or legal complications.
As the situation develops, lawmakers and officials are expected to revisit the issue of expired tags and consider new strategies to help residents comply with registration laws. For now, the message is clear: Act now to avoid costly consequences!
