Verified Tenn. Code Ann. §55-5-114(d) · Checked July 2026 · 2 sources
What an expired-registration ticket costs in Tennessee
Citation data · First offense Tenn. Code Ann. §55-5-114(d)
Up to $50 fine (Class C misdemeanor)
Operating a vehicle without displaying current registration is a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee (Tenn. Code Ann. §55-5-114(d)), the state’s lowest criminal grade, punishable by up to 30 days or a fine of up to $50, or both (§40-35-111(e)(3)); in practice registration cases are fine-driven.
Verified July 2026
By Mario Bailey
What to do now
- 1
Renew and display current registration
The offense is operating without displaying current registration (Tenn. Code Ann. §55-5-114(d)), and in practice registration cases are fine-driven.
- 2
Know the statutory ceiling
Class C is Tennessee’s lowest criminal grade: the maximum is 30 days or a $50 fine, or both, under §40-35-111(e)(3), plus court costs.
Is driving on expired tags a crime in Tennessee?
Yes, Class C, the lowest misdemeanor grade, with a statutory maximum of 30 days and a $50 fine under §40-35-111(e)(3).
Frequently asked questions
How much is an expired-tags ticket in Tennessee?
The statutory maximum fine is $50, the offense is a Class C misdemeanor under Tenn. Code Ann. §55-5-114(d), capped by §40-35-111(e)(3), plus court costs.
Is driving on expired tags a crime in Tennessee?
Technically yes, a Class C misdemeanor, the lowest criminal grade, with a $50 maximum fine.
Sources
This summary was checked against the following sources on the date shown above. Fines and fees change, verify before relying on specifics.
Read next
- Va. Code 46.2-646, plainly: what Virginia's expired registration law says and costs
- How to Get an Expired Registration Ticket Dismissed
- How much is a ticket for driving without registration? Eight states, from the statutes
- ARS 28-2532: Arizona Expired Registration Law, Explained
Other tickets in Tennessee
Driving Without Insurance in Tennessee
Expired Registration: other states
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General legal information, not legal advice. Statutes and penalty schedules summarized from the sources above as of July 2026.