Got ticket for expired license and sticker can I continue driving until I can pay it

Posted by Andrew361150@reddit | driving | View on Reddit | 23 comments

I got a warning for the sticker but I thought my occupational license was still valid. So my DL is expired, I have had a rough year and I just landed a good job, I was unemployed for a long time and I couldn’t get my inspection to pass due to old tires but I have new ones now, I told the trooper I will pay it both on Thursday when I get my first full check, i need to pay to reinstate license and for my registration sticker. He let me go home but I was so nervous I didn’t ask, can I continue driving until Thursday? I have no choice to, like what if I get pulled over again? I simply don’t have the money until payday, and I have no way to get to work which is 30 min away other than my vehicle with expired tags. My DL status is eligible btw. Just need to pay the fees.

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robomassacre@reddit

In my state, driving without a license is an arrest-able offense. You got lucky, i wouldn't push it. I know it's not what you want to hear

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Andrew361150@reddit (OP)

I got it taken care of, just overdrafted my account to pay it. Didn’t wanna risk it, what state if I may ask? I’m in Texas

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robomassacre@reddit

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Andrew361150@reddit (OP)

People get let go with warnings all the time here In my area tbh, it surprises me bc I hear you can be arrested for just that. Which is dumb to me like I didn’t lose my ability to drive I just couldn’t afford to keep up with fees.

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robomassacre@reddit

Around here, they don't care about the "why". If your license is expired, then you don't have a valid license. So you are driving without a license which is illegal. They can impound the car and arrest you.

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No_Pension_5065@reddit

Blue states don't believe in officer discretion as much as red states is what is going on here. In general, in red states, if you appear contrite and otherwise responsible you will usually be given a warning if there is only one violation... When things stack, like speeding + suspended license + out of date vehicle registration, then the officer will do something more drastic like impounding.

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tralphaz43@reddit

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Andrew361150@reddit (OP)

I ended up overdrafting and just taking care of both, didn’t wanna drive paranoid all week. Thanks for the replies!

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Dis_engaged23@reddit

Sorry you had to OD to get it accomplished, but it was the best thing to do. Getting pulled over again would have been much more expensive.

Happy trails.

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Bennghazi@reddit

If the check bounces, you may have put off the problem for a little while, but you should prepare for the consequences. Maybe they won't try to cash the check right away though...good luck.

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WakeupDingbat@reddit

Next time do 5 seconds on Google because there's literally 100+ apps that will give you a 1-2 week loan for a couple dollars then just pull it from your next check

You don't have to overdraft with large fees.

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Bennghazi@reddit

Do you have a credit card? Is it maxed out?

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BrassHockey@reddit

Would hear stories of people getting away with expired tags for years. I think those days are long gone. Do you what you have to do to get that stuff current, and figure the rest out later.

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wirey3@reddit

You're lucky you didn't get your car impounded. If you get pulled over again, there's a chance the first officer may have made a note of the first encounter. They won't cut you a break unless they're incredibly generous (let's be real. Most cops aren't. They have a duty to uphold the law). That car legally can't be on the road, and you legally can't be driving. Take the bus or bum rides. If you're gonna risk it, take routes with fewer/no cops and drive perfectly.

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Andrew361150@reddit (OP)

Bus would be a option if I didn’t have to go In at 3am-3pm. I work in construction as a surveyor and operator. But I took care of it, just overdrafted so I could have that peace of mind

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Old_Goat_Ninja@reddit

Can you? Absolutely. Legally can you? No. Should you? No. But can you, sure. I’ve been there to be honest, a very, very, long time ago (90’s). I still drove until I fixed it, I had to. Work was too far away.

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Andrew361150@reddit (OP)

I been driving careful all along I just got unlucky he got behind me and ran my plates.

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wasitme317@reddit

See what Uber / Lyft cost.

If you do drive and get pulled over again letter officer know upfront that you got a warning "date" and that you were unemployed and just got back to work and first paycheck is Thursday and you'll get everything up to date over this weekend.

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anto_capone@reddit

I am surprised you were allowed to drive home. That was a nice courtesy they did for you. Usually they have to impound the vehicle.

I doubt you will get that courtesy again, and if the same cop sees you driving within the next few days you might get into some deep shit.

A lot depends on your jurisdiction, but look up your laws regarding aggravated driving without a license. Most of the time it is a misdemeanor, meaning potential jail time and then license suspension.

You gonna need to get a ride until the license is reinstated man.

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Low-Limit8066@reddit

Uh, you could, but if you’re already having trouble with expenses with upkeep and renewal and reinstatement… the last thing you need is a ticket or arrest. I’m surprised he let you drive yourself home. Most wouldn’t/can’t allow that to happen. It’s as if you don’t have a license at all, and it’s something you can be arrested for where I live, called “driving while license revoked/suspended.”

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