Question About Vehicle Suspension Notice
I registered my car in Texas in November after it was previously registered in California under my mom’s name. To make a long story short, I needed a smog check, but since I was planning to move, I didn’t want to register it in CA only to have to do it again later. I wasn’t able to renew the registration in California because I couldn’t obtain the smog check. As a result, I had expired tags throughout 2024 (from January to October) but maintained my insurance.
When I registered my car in Texas, I also transferred the title into my name and switched to my own insurance policy, ensuring there was no lapse in coverage; my new policy began one day before the old one expired. Now I just received a letter from the California DMV (sent in my mom’s name to my grandma’s address in CA) indicating that my vehicle’s registration has been suspended due to a lack of insurance. Although the fine is just $14, I’m wondering if I should pay it. My car is currently insured and registered in Texas, not California. The letter states that the suspension is effective as of ten days ago, so this seems to be a recent issue. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a complex situation, but it should be manageable. Since you’ve registered your vehicle in Texas and switched to a new insurance policy under your name, you’re no longer operating under California’s jurisdiction regarding the vehicle. The key points to consider are:
Current Registration: Your car is now registered in Texas, which means California’s registration laws don’t apply to you anymore.
Insurance Coverage: You maintained continuous insurance coverage, and since the vehicle is now registered in Texas, you are complying with the insurance requirements for Texas.
Letter from CA DMV: The suspension notice from the California DMV may be a standard automated procedure triggered by lack of updated insurance information linked to the car’s previous registration in California.
Fine Amount: Since the fine is relatively small ($14), you might consider paying it to avoid any complications or potential issues down the line, even though the vehicle is no longer registered in California.
Contact CA DMV: To clarify your situation, it could be helpful to contact the California DMV directly. Explain the situation, provide proof of your new Texas registration and insurance, and inquire about the necessity of paying the fine.
In summary, while it might not be strictly necessary to pay the fine given your circumstances, taking proactive steps to clarify the situation with the DMV could save you from possible headaches in the future.