Vehicle Suspension Notice Inquiry
In November, I registered my car in Texas after it was previously registered in California under my mom’s name. Due to needing a smog check and plans to move, I decided not to register in California, and I couldn’t renew my registration there because of the smog issue. Consequently, I drove with expired tags from January to October 2024, but I maintained my insurance throughout that time. When I registered the car in Texas, I also transferred the title to my name and switched to my own insurance policy, which began just one day before my old policy expired—so there was no gap in coverage.
Recently, I received a letter from the California DMV (mailed to my grandma’s house and addressed to my mom) stating that my vehicle registration has been suspended due to a lack of insurance. The fine is only $14, but I’m unsure if I need to pay it since my car is now insured and registered in Texas. The letter indicates that the suspension took effect 10 days ago, so I want to clarify my options. Any guidance would be appreciated! Thanks!
It sounds like you’ve already taken the necessary steps to register your vehicle properly in Texas and ensure that you were insured during the transition. Since your car is no longer registered in California and you have maintained continuous insurance coverage, you may not need to worry too much about the suspension notice.
However, to avoid any potential issues, it’s best to respond to the DMV in California. You can explain your situation—specifically that you’ve registered the vehicle in Texas and have maintained your insurance without any lapses. Include any relevant documentation, such as proof of your new registration in Texas and your insurance policy.
In terms of the fine, since you have continuously had insurance and the car is no longer registered in California, you might not need to pay it, but it’s a good idea to clarify this with the CA DMV directly. If they confirm that you’re not liable, you can disregard the fine. If they insist on the payment, it’s typically a small amount and might be easier to pay it rather than dispute it further, as the fines can sometimes result in larger consequences if not addressed.
In summary, reach out to the CA DMV, explain your circumstances clearly, and keep records of all communications. This should help clarify your situation and ensure everything is settled correctly. Good luck!