Verified Tex. Transp. Code §502.407 · Checked July 2026 · 2 sources
What an expired-registration ticket costs in Texas
Citation data · First offense Tex. Transp. Code §502.407
Fine set by court, dismissible if you renew
In Texas the offense only exists after the fifth working day past your registration expiration (Tex. Transp. Code §502.407), and the ticket is built to be dismissed: renew within 20 working days of the offense (or before your first court appearance, whichever is later) and show you paid the 20% delinquency fee under §502.045, and the judge may dismiss the charge with at most a $20 reimbursement fee.
Verified July 2026
By Mario Bailey
What to do now
- 1
Renew your registration now
The offense only exists after the fifth working day past expiration, and the dismissal path depends on renewing. Pay the 20% delinquency fee under §502.045 and keep proof.
- 2
Use the dismissal window
Renew within 20 working days of the offense, or before your first court appearance if that is later. Weekends and legal holidays do not count as working days.
- 3
Show the court your renewal
Bring proof of renewal and of the paid delinquency fee. The judge may dismiss the charge with at most a $20 reimbursement fee.
Is driving on expired tags a crime in Texas?
It is a fine-only traffic offense, the statute’s center of gravity is the dismissal path, not the punishment. Weekends and legal holidays don’t count as “working days” for the grace and dismissal windows.
Can it be dismissed?
Yes, by design: renew not later than the 20th working day after the offense (or before your first court appearance, whichever is later) and establish that the §502.045 delinquency fee, 20% of your registration fee, was paid. The court may then dismiss, assessing a reimbursement fee of up to $20.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a grace period for expired registration in Texas?
Yes, five working days after the expiration date before operating the vehicle becomes an offense under Tex. Transp. Code §502.407. Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays don’t count.
Will an expired-registration ticket in Texas be dismissed if I renew?
Usually. Renew within 20 working days of the offense (or before your first court appearance, whichever is later), pay the 20% delinquency fee, and the judge may dismiss the charge with at most a $20 court reimbursement fee.
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 Texas
Driving Without Insurance in Texas
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.