URGENT UPDATE: Oklahoma City Police are intensifying efforts to address a growing problem of drivers on the roads with expired vehicle tags. Just yesterday, an officer confronted a driver whose registration had been expired since May 2023, marking a significant two-year lapse.
In a video shared by the police department on social media, the officer stated, “It expired back in May of 2023, so you’re two years out of date. I wrote a citation for the expired tag. Take this car to the tag agency and get the tag updated.” This encounter highlights an alarming trend that authorities are keen to curb.
According to Oklahoma law, drivers are granted a 30-day grace period after their tags expire to register their vehicles without penalty. However, if they fail to do so, they incur a charge of $1 a day, capped at $100. After 90 days, vehicles can be impounded, creating a significant financial burden for owners.
Service Oklahoma, the state agency responsible for vehicle registrations, does not actively track expired tags. In a recent report, the agency revealed it processed 29,377 new vehicle registrations and 174,000 registration renewals last month, yet expired tags remain a persistent issue.
In response to this growing concern, lawmakers attempted to introduce stricter penalties during the last legislative session. Representative Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, proposed a bill that would shorten the impound timeframe from 90 days to 60 days and increase fines for offenders. Unfortunately, the bill failed to pass on the House floor.
“We recognize it’s an issue,” stated Minority Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson. “There are several factors contributing to the problem, including notification issues and affordability.”
Munson emphasized the necessity of understanding the challenges faced by Oklahomans who are not keeping their vehicle registrations up to date. The state has begun offering two-year registration fees, a move that has gained popularity among drivers, potentially alleviating some of the burden.
This situation is urgent, and the police department is urging residents to check their vehicle tags immediately. With the potential for fines and the risk of impoundment, now is the time for drivers to ensure their registrations are current.
As Oklahoma City Police continue to address this issue, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to avoid penalties. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
