UPDATE: Oklahoma City Police have issued a stark warning as they confront a growing trend of drivers with expired tags. In a video shared on social media, an officer cited a driver whose registration expired in May 2023, marking a shocking two years out of date.
This alarming trend is not just a minor oversight; it has serious implications for public safety and vehicle compliance. Oklahoma law permits a 30-day grace period after expiration, but after that, drivers face a daily fine of $1, up to a maximum of $100. If tags remain expired for more than 90 days, the vehicle may be impounded.
Despite these regulations, 29,377 new vehicles were registered last month, alongside 174,000 registration renewals. Yet, the issue of expired tags persists, prompting lawmakers to explore tougher penalties.
“We recognize it’s an issue,”
said Minority Leader Representative Cyndi Munson. She emphasized the need to understand the challenges preventing Oklahomans from keeping their registrations up to date. “It sounds like a notification issue. Maybe it’s an affordability issue. We don’t really know,” she added.
During the last legislative session, Representative Ross Ford of Broken Arrow proposed a bill to shorten the impound period from 90 days to 60 days and to increase fines. However, the bill was defeated on the House floor.
Authorities are aware that expired tags can lead to significant consequences for drivers, and the state has initiated a two-year registration option to alleviate some of the financial burdens. This option has reportedly gained popularity among drivers, but the question remains: will it be enough to tackle this ongoing issue?
With many Oklahomans still at risk of hefty fines and potential vehicle impoundment, it is crucial for drivers to check their registration status immediately. The Oklahoma City Police are urging residents to act swiftly to avoid penalties.
As the situation develops, officials will continue to monitor expired tags and may consider additional legislative measures to address this pressing concern. Stay tuned for updates on this important issue affecting Oklahoma drivers.