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.
Other tickets in Tennessee
Driving Without Insurance in Tennessee
Expired Registration: other states
TexasFloridaGeorgiaNorth CarolinaOhioPennsylvaniaMichiganArizonaVirginiaIndianaMissouriCaliforniaIllinoisNew Jersey All states
General legal information, not legal advice. Statutes and penalty schedules summarized from the sources above as of July 2026.