DMV License Plate Question (lease, insurance, new home)

[lancers]

I am moving out of state for good before the Christmas Holiday. I am driving my car to my new home in a different state. Obviously I cannot take the plates off to return them then drive without plates on my car.

I know that the plates are supposed to be returned to NJ DMV but if for some reason they are lost in the mail and used by someone else I would be responsible for whatever comes down from that. The State suggests I mail them with a SASE so they can send me a receipt which supposedly would protect me and be my proof that I made an attempt to return them. Certified mail doesn't prove what I mailed if push came to shove and to be honest I would much rather take the plates off the car and leave them in the garage knowing no one would ever use the plates again.

If I do not return the plates can my license be suspended in NJ therefore causing me problems down the road in my new home state in the future?

[Badfish740]

The plates of every vehicle I've ever owned (Ive been driving for nearly 20 years now) are nailed to the wall of my garage. Does that answer your question?

[lancers]

I am inclined to do that myself. Thanks.

[captne76]

Yep technically you are supposed to turn in plates that don't have insurance on them, and SOMETIMES they (NJ MVC) write you about it if they for some reason find you not doing that but similarly, I just junked one of my cars after the tranny went and kept the plates because if I buy another spare car I would use those plates because they are a special series.

Similarly we have plates in basements and sheds that we didn't turn in. Some of them I have.

[DPolo]

I don't' know what to do with my plates in the closet. Usually when I return the lease to the dealership, they give me a new car and take care of the plates.

[Boris347]

Originally Posted by lancers

If I do not return the plates can my license be suspended in NJ therefore causing me problems down the road in my new home state in the future?

Your problem is not so much the fear of some one getting and using your plates. The problem is, that most people that stop using their Plates, also drop the insurance, which raises a red flag, with the DMV who assumes your still driving the car with no insurance, since you did not turn in your plates. In my State, a fine starts building as soon as the Insurance is dropped, and you still have the tags. It increases daily, and I have seen folks fined over a thousands, and their license was suspended.

If your new State has reciprocity with NJ, you may have your license suspended there too, which will show up if a Cop stops you, or when you go for a new license or renewal. You usually have to fix your first problem, before being given a new license.

The plates people say they keep, and have had problem with, likely had insurance until they expired.

Look at it this way. The DMV did not tell you to turn in your plates, "unless" you wanted to hang them in your Garage. If there where no "Consequences" they would not have told you to return them either. Not sure what part of that you don't understand?

If your worried about them not getting there by mail, take the loose tags to a UPS Store, and have them package and ship the tags to the NJ DMV. Ask UPS to include the Tag Numbers and description of what they packed and sent. Then your done. It becomes a UPS Problem if lost. You will have a receipt.

[lancers]

Originally Posted by Boris347

Your problem is not so much the fear of some one getting and using your plates. The problem is, that most people that stop using their Plates, also drop the insurance, which raises a red flag, with the DMV who assumes your still driving the car with no insurance, since you did not turn in your plates. In my State, a fine starts building as soon as the Insurance is dropped, and you still have the tags. It increases daily, and I have seen folks fined over a thousands, and their license was suspended.

If your new State has reciprocity with NJ, you may have your license suspended there too, which will show up if a Cop stops you, or when you go for a new license or renewal. You usually have to fix your first problem, before being given a new license.

The plates people say they keep, and have had problem with, likely had insurance until they expired.

Look at it this way. The DMV did not tell you to turn in your plates, "unless" you wanted to hang them in your Garage. If there where no "Consequences" they would not have told you to return them either. Not sure what part of that you don't understand?

If your worried about them not getting there by mail, take the loose tags to a UPS Store, and have them package and ship the tags to the NJ DMV. Ask UPS to include the Tag Numbers and description of what they packed and sent. Then your done. It becomes a UPS Problem if lost. You will have a receipt.

I have insurance and will continue to insure the car. However the car while still insured by the same carrier will be insured in NC. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

[Mongobongo]

OP, I've mailed mine in a couple of times with no problem. If you're concerned, send them certified or whatever to get a signature.

[jaymoney]

Originally Posted by Badfish740

The plates of every vehicle I've ever owned (Ive been driving for nearly 20 years now) are nailed to the wall of my garage. Does that answer your question?

I think it might be wise to either put the ones back on the car you're driving now or stop driving your garage wall around.