What Happens If You Don’T Return License Plates In Florida?
If you recently sold or disposed of a vehicle in Florida and forgot to remove and return the license plate, you may be wondering what consequences you could face. Failure to return license plates in Florida can result in fines, registration issues, and even criminal penalties.
In short, if you don’t return your license plates in Florida after selling or disposing of your vehicle, you could face fines up to $500, problems renewing your registration, suspension of your driver’s license, and even misdemeanor charges.
You May Face Fines Up to $500
Florida law requires the return of license plates when a vehicle is sold, traded, donated, dismantled, destroyed, or removed from the state. This requirement is in place to ensure that license plates are not misused or fraudulently used by anyone other than the registered owner.
It also helps to prevent identity theft and other criminal activities.
Not complying with this law can result in a fine of up to $500 for a first offense under Florida Statute 320.0607.
Returning license plates may seem like a minor task, but it is an important responsibility that should not be overlooked. Failure to return license plates can result in serious consequences, including financial penalties.
The fine for not returning license plates in Florida can be as high as $500 for a first offense.
The Florida Statute 320.0607 specifically states that failing to surrender license plates after a vehicle is sold, traded, donated, dismantled, destroyed, or removed from the state is a noncriminal traffic infraction.
This means that it is considered a violation of traffic laws, but it is not a criminal offense. However, the fine can still be significant.
It is worth noting that the fine for not returning license plates may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, if the failure to return license plates is a second or subsequent offense, the fine may be higher than $500.
Additionally, if the failure to return license plates is accompanied by other traffic offenses or violations, the penalties may be increased.
Returning license plates is a relatively simple process. In most cases, individuals can surrender their license plates at a local county tax collector’s office or a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office.
Some counties may also have drop-off locations specifically designated for license plate returns.
To avoid any potential fines or penalties, it is important to promptly return license plates when they are no longer needed or when a vehicle is being transferred out of state. Taking a few minutes to complete this task can save you from potential headaches and financial consequences in the future.
For more information on returning license plates in Florida, you can visit the official website of the Florida DHSMV at www.flhsmv.gov. The website provides detailed instructions and resources to help individuals navigate the process of returning license plates correctly.
Issues Renewing Your Vehicle Registration
If you try to renew the registration on a vehicle you no longer own, the DMV will likely flag the issue when the VIN numbers don’t match.
When you sell or dispose of a vehicle in Florida, it is important to return the license plates to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Failure to do so can result in various issues, including difficulties with renewing your vehicle registration.
During the registration renewal process, the DHSMV compares the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle you’re trying to renew with their records. If the VIN does not match any vehicle currently registered to you, it raises a red flag.
This discrepancy indicates that you may be trying to renew the registration on a vehicle you no longer own.
In such cases, the DHSMV will typically reject your registration renewal application until you resolve the issue. This ensures that the vehicle’s ownership and registration information are accurate and up to date.
You may then face difficulties getting your current vehicle properly registered and renewed until you clear up the records on the previous vehicle.
If you fail to return the license plates for a vehicle you no longer own, it can create complications when you try to register and renew your current vehicle. The DHSMV keeps track of all license plates issued and associated with specific vehicles and owners.
When you attempt to register a new vehicle or renew the registration on your current vehicle, the DHSMV cross-references the license plate records with their database. If they find that you still have license plates registered under your name for a previous vehicle, they may require you to clear up the records before they can process your registration or renewal.
This involves providing proof that you no longer own the previous vehicle and returning the license plates associated with it. Once you have resolved the issue and returned the plates, you can proceed with registering or renewing your current vehicle without any further difficulties.
It is important to note that failing to return license plates in Florida can also result in fines and penalties. The DHSMV may charge you additional fees for not returning the plates within a certain timeframe.
So, it’s best to promptly return the plates to avoid any unnecessary complications or expenses.
Possible Suspension of Your Driver’s License
In some cases, failing to return license plates could get your driver’s license suspended. This typically occurs if the DMV believes you still own and are operating the previous vehicle.
When you sell or trade in your vehicle in Florida, it is important to return the license plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failing to do so can have serious consequences, including the suspension of your driver’s license.
The DMV requires license plates to be returned to ensure that they are not being used on another vehicle illegally.
If the DMV believes that you still own and are operating the previous vehicle, they may suspend your driver’s license as a precautionary measure. This is because they have reason to believe that you are not following the proper procedures for transferring ownership of a vehicle.
Your license may remain suspended until you can provide proof that you no longer own the vehicle in question.
It is important to note that the suspension of your driver’s license is not automatic and will depend on the circumstances surrounding your failure to return the license plates. If you can provide evidence that you have properly transferred ownership of the vehicle, such as a bill of sale or a receipt from a dealership, you may be able to avoid a license suspension.
To get your license reinstated, you would need to provide proof you no longer own the vehicle in question.
If your driver’s license has been suspended due to your failure to return license plates, you will need to take steps to have it reinstated. The first step is to provide proof that you no longer own the vehicle in question.
You can provide this proof by submitting documentation such as a bill of sale, a receipt from a dealership, or a release of liability form. These documents will show that you have properly transferred ownership of the vehicle and are no longer responsible for it.
Once you have gathered the necessary documentation, you will need to visit your local DMV office to have your license reinstated. They will review your documentation and determine if it is sufficient to lift the suspension on your license.
It is important to act quickly and follow the necessary steps to have your license reinstated. Driving with a suspended license can lead to further penalties and legal consequences.
Misdemeanor Criminal Charges
In Florida, it is a second-degree misdemeanor to willfully use an old license plate on a vehicle it wasn’t issued to.
When it comes to license plates in Florida, the law is clear – you must return your old license plates to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) once you are no longer using them. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences.
One of these consequences is the possibility of facing misdemeanor criminal charges.
Using an old license plate on a vehicle it wasn’t originally issued to is considered a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. This means that if you knowingly allow someone else to use your old license plates on their car, you could be held accountable for their actions.
Even if you were not the one driving the vehicle, you can still be charged with a misdemeanor if it is believed that you provided the plates to someone else.
The penalties for this offense can include fines, probation, and even potential jail time. It’s important to take this matter seriously and follow the proper procedures for returning your license plates to avoid any legal troubles.
So if someone else uses your old plates on their car, you could face criminal charges if it’s believed you gave them the plates.
While it may seem harmless to let a friend or family member use your old license plates, you need to be aware of the potential consequences. If someone else uses your plates on their vehicle and it is discovered that you willingly provided them with the plates, you could be held responsible for their actions.
Law enforcement agencies in Florida take license plate misuse seriously, as it can lead to various illegal activities such as evading tolls, parking violations, and even more serious crimes. By allowing someone else to use your plates, you are inadvertently putting yourself at risk of being involved in these illegal activities.
To avoid any potential criminal charges, it is essential to return your license plates to the DHSMV as soon as you are no longer using them. This ensures that your plates are properly disposed of and cannot be misused by others.
Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution and follow the law when it comes to license plate usage. By doing so, you can avoid unnecessary legal troubles and ensure that your plates are being used in the manner they were intended for.
Conclusion
In summary, forgetting to return your license plates when you dispose of a vehicle in Florida can lead to fines, registration issues, license suspension, and even criminal penalties in severe cases.
To avoid any headaches, remember to remove your license plates and return them to the DMV when you sell or otherwise dispose of a registered vehicle in Florida.
