Keep It Legal: 4 Reasons To Get Temporary Tags For Your Car

If you've been on the road long enough, you've seen the paper license plates on a few cars. Those are temporary tags, and they're required by motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Temporary tags allow you to operate your car on public roads before you have the official registration documents. If you're not sure that you need temporary tags for your car, read the information provided below. This information will help you determine if you need temp tags for your car. If you do, you'll need to make an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. 

You Just Bought Your Car

If you've recently purchased a car, chances are good that you're going to need temporary tags on your car. If you buy your car from a dealership, they'll provide you with the temporary tags before you leave the lot. However, if you buy your car from a private party, motor vehicles will provide you with temporary tags when you go to pay your registration fees. 

You Need to Drive Your Car

If your car hasn't been driven in a while, and the tags have expired, you'll need to arrange for temporary tags. Placing temporary tags on your car will allow you to drive your car while you wait for the registration to arrive. This is especially beneficial when you need to arrange for smog certification or a safety inspection. 

You Want to Transfer Your Car

If you're moving from another state or from another country, and you're bringing your car along, you'll need to arrange for temporary tags. In most cases, there will be a grace period where you'll be safe to drive your car without temporary tags. However, you need to arrange for those temporary tags as quickly as possible, especially if you want to avoid traffic violations and fines. Once you complete the necessary requirements, your temporary tags will be replaced with permanent tags and license plates. 

You Need Work to Be Done on Your Car

If you're restoring a classic car, and you need to drive on public roads for services, you have two options. First, you can tow your car to all of your service appointments. Second, you can arrange for temporary tags. If your car is road-ready, temporary tags are the best option. This will allow you to pay the initial registration fees before your car is ready for the road. As soon as the restoration is complete, you'll be provided with your permanent registration documentation.


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