Expired Registration in Connecticut
Connecticut mandates that its residents operating motor vehicles on its highways have a valid registration to avoid penalties. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a division of the Department of Transportation, administers all vehicle registration programs throughout the state. The Connecticut State Police (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies enforce compliance with registration laws on public roadways.
State Code Provisions in Connecticut
Connecticut’s DMV, CSP, and local law enforcement agencies are guided by the vehicle registration framework established under Title 14 Chapter 246 of the Connecticut General Statutes. These provisions define registration procedures, renewal requirements, expiration protocols, and enforcement mechanisms.
Section 14-12 of the Connecticut General Statutes establishes that no person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public highway unless such vehicle is registered with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Additional requirements regarding registration display and renewal obligations are codified throughout Chapter 246, providing the legal framework for vehicle registration enforcement in Connecticut.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Connecticut
Connecticut operates on a two-year registration renewal cycle for passenger vehicles, with registrations expiring on the last day of the owner's birth month. For example, if your birth month is June and you register your vehicle in March 2025, your registration will be valid until June 30, 2027. The registration expires at midnight on June 30, 2027.
Connecticut does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once your registration reaches its expiration date, you may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads. Driving with expired registration subjects you to traffic violations and fines from the moment the registration expires.
The DMV sends renewal notices approximately 45 days before expiration, but vehicle owners bear responsibility for timely renewal regardless of whether they receive the notice. Connecticut law places the obligation on the registered owner to maintain current registration.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Connecticut
Connecticut imposes penalties through multiple mechanisms when vehicle owners fail to maintain current registration. The state distinguishes between administrative fees for late renewals at the DMV and traffic violations for operating a vehicle with expired registration on public highways.
Administrative Late Fees for Renewal
According to the Connecticut DMV, an administrative late fee is imposed for registration renewals done five days after expiration:
| Renewal Timing | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| Within 5 days after expiration | $0.00 |
| More than 5 days after expiration | $10.00 |
This administrative penalty is added to the standard registration renewal fee and must be paid at the time of renewal, whether renewing online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Traffic Violations for Operating with Expired Registration
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration constitutes a motor vehicle infraction under Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-12, as discussed above. Law enforcement officers may issue citations to drivers operating vehicles with expired registration on any public roadway.
According to the Connecticut Superior Court Infractions Schedule:
| Violation Type | Statute | Total Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to renew registration | CGS 14-12(a) | $117.00 |
The total fine of $117.00 includes:
- Base fine: $50.00
- Victim services surcharge: $7.00
- Court operations surcharge: $35.00
- Criminal injuries surcharge: $25.00
This violation applies specifically to operating the vehicle with expired registration. The citation is issued to the driver at the time of the traffic stop.
Additional Penalties Under Connecticut Law
Beyond the standard infraction fine, Connecticut establishes additional penalties for certain registration violations:
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle or allowing someone else to operate an unregistered vehicle: Fines ranging from $150 to $300 under certain circumstances
- Driver's license suspension: Potential suspension for accumulation of multiple registration violations
- Vehicle impoundment: Law enforcement may impound vehicles operated with significantly expired registration
Government Agency Contact Information
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Website: Connecticut DMV
Connecticut State Police
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8000
Website: Connecticut State Police
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 1
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 297-5962
Website: Connecticut DRS
