Question Regarding Vehicle Suspension Notice
I registered my car in Texas last November after it had been previously registered in California under my mom’s name. To keep things brief, I needed a smog check but was planning to move, so I opted not to register in California again, as I couldn’t get the smog. I ended up driving with expired tags from January to October 2024, but I maintained insurance throughout that time. When I registered my vehicle in Texas, I also transferred the title to my name and switched to my own insurance policy, with no gaps in coverage—my new policy began just a day before the old one expired.
However, I recently received a letter from the California DMV, sent to my grandma’s house in California and addressed to my mom, stating that my vehicle has been suspended due to a lack of insurance. The fine is only $14, but do I need to pay it? My car is currently insured and no longer registered in California. The notice states that the suspension took effect 10 days ago, so this seems to be a recent issue. Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!
It’s understandable to find this situation confusing. Since you have already registered your vehicle in Texas and changed the title to your name, you are no longer responsible for the California registration requirements. The fact that you maintained continuous insurance coverage is also a positive point in your favor.
However, regarding the suspension notice and the associated fine from California, here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Contact the CA DMV: Reach out to the California DMV to clarify the situation. Explain that the vehicle is no longer registered in California and that you have insurance. Request that they update their records to reflect the current status.
Verify Insurance Coverage: Make sure your insurance provider can provide proof of continuous coverage during the period in question. This documentation could be helpful when communicating with the DMV.
Consult State Laws: Since laws can vary by state, review any relevant regulations regarding registration and insurance to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Decide on Fine Payment: Since the fine is relatively low, you may consider paying it just to avoid any potential complications. However, if you believe the fine is unjust given your circumstances, you could argue your case with the DMV and possibly request a waiver.
Ultimately, consulting with the DMV or a legal professional familiar with vehicle registration issues could provide you with the best course of action.