Can a Maine Driver be Ticketed for Expired Tags in Another State?

There's so many way to get in trouble behind the wheel...

It's been in a minute since I read the Maine driver's ed handbook. But I remember thinking that it read more like a manual on how to get in trouble constantly, behind the wheel. On the other hand, if you just act normal when you drive, for the most part you'll probably stay out of trouble. Everything in moderation, right?

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If you constantly speed, eventually you'll get a ticket. If you park in no parking zones all the time, eventually you'll get a ticket. But basically, if you just behave and follow the rules of the road, you're good. But sometimes pesky little stickers expire and you forget all about it until it's too late. And sometimes, you just assume you're probably safe, when you aren't all.

One might assume out-of-state cops don't worry about your registration.

But, you'd be wrong. Since just about every state requires some kind of registration, including Maine of course, they're keenly aware that you may be in violation. Maybe add some crazy driving, or speeding where you shouldn't be, and next thing you know... the blues maybe coming on in your rear-view mirror.

A person on Reddit was describing just this very situation. They were pulled over in Massachusetts with expired tags on their vehicle. That person's question revolved around insurance issues, but it got me thinking, that a lot of people probably think there's a lot they could quietly get away with, because it's out of state.

What else could be done to you or your car?

The person on Reddit claimed the MA police officer said that their car could even be impounded and hauled away for not having proper tags. I know in Maine, having unpaid citations in other states can affect your ability to register your car here. My guess is that if a person was barely over, and not hassling an officer, you'd probably be let go.

Read More: Maine Drivers Now Known for Getting Mad When You Simply Pass Them

But it's like anything, the harder you want to make it, the harder it will go. Probably the easiest thing would be to have your car up to snuff, legally. Really, anything beyond that is just pushing your luck. But definitely don't think you'll have any extra luck on your side if you get pulled over out-of-state. It may not work out the way you want.

In case you wanted a different kind of road trip...