The Dangers of Renting a Car with Expired Tags: What to Do If It Happens to You

Driving or parking a car with expired tags is prohibited in the majority of states. This can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, especially when renting a car under these circumstances. Recently, a woman faced a $3,000 bill for attorney fees and court costs after Enterprise rental company's car with expired tags got her in trouble.

Legal Consequences of Renting a Car with Expired Tags

Having a car with expired tags can result in a fine, a misdemeanor charge, or both. Depending on the circumstances, you may be stopped by a police officer and issued a ticket. If you are driving a rental car, it's important to explain this to the officer. In some cases, especially if you provide evidence that the rental company is responsible, you might be let off the hook with a warning. However, you might find a ticket on your parked rental vehicle, in which case the fine would be due.

Informing the Rental Company and the Legal Path

It's crucial to inform the rental car agency immediately if your vehicle's tags have expired. Demand that the company accept responsibility. This can potentially avoid complications and fines. If you are stopped by the police, be prepared to provide proof of rental, such as the rental agreement or a receipt.

Sometimes, you might receive a ticket indicating "owner responsibility." You will not be cited, but it's important to inform the rental agency as they might still be liable for any fines. The rental agreement probably states that you are responsible for any tickets you incur while renting the car. Therefore, while you might not fight the parking charge or the rental charge, you should absolutely fight the expired plates charge directly with the rental company. If the company resists, you can escalate the request and ask for a refund of both tickets, reasoning that it was their responsibility to ensure that the vehicle was properly registered.

Escalating the Issue and Seeking a Refund

If your initial request is met with resistance, consider sending a formal letter or email to the rental company outlining why the expired tags were their responsibility and why they should refund the ticket fees. If that does not work, you can try a charge-back for the full amount with your credit card company. This is a last resort, but it's a valuable option to consider when dealing with such situations.

Handling the situation effectively can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Be proactive, informed, and prepared to advocate for your rights and interests.