Expired VA inspection sticker on car but live in PA now, (Harrisburg: lease, insurance) - Pennsylvania - City-Data Forum

saldm77 · 01-19-2007, 08:55 AM

I was wondering if I would get a ticket for an expired VA inspection sticker on my vehicle while I am staying in PA even though my car is registered in Va and I have a Va license and everything. I am only going to be in PA for 5 months and then i am moving to CA so I see no point in changing my tags and everything to PA because my registration and tags are good until Nov 2007. What should I do? Should I drive to VA to get it inspected? How far is the VA line from PA?

Dawne · 01-19-2007, 09:59 AM

From the southern border of PA to the northern border of VA should take you less an hour, especially if you're on Interstate 81.

I would definitely suggest getting your car inspection sticker updated, as an expired sticker would most likely result in your getting a ticket in PA. Here in PA our registrations and inspections are coordinated so they both run out at the same time. I guess VA doesn't do it that way??

saldm77 · 01-19-2007, 11:54 AM

VA inspections dont coincide with registration like PA.
My registration is good until November but my stricker runs out this Jan

Dawne · 01-19-2007, 03:03 PM

I see.

Yes, PA cops look for expired inspection stickers. Are yours on the windshield? Our are in the bottom driver's side corner. Are yours in the bottom middle? I know someone's are but can't remember whose? If they're not in the bottom driver's side corner like PA's, just the fact that they don't see a sticker may make the cops take notice. However, if they see the VA plate first, they may not even look.

It's up to you whether you want to take a chance or not. I have not idea what the fine is, either. What do inspections run in VA? It may be cheaper to pay a fine once in PA than to drive back to VA, which costs gas money there and back, and then pay for an inspection.

I LOVE PA! · 01-19-2007, 03:34 PM

Along with paying the ticket, you would have to provide proof that the vehicle is inspected. Also, something to think about, as I live in a community where sometimes people register their vehicles in Pa., although they only own a second home here - Pa. is pretty strict on insurance fraud, your vehicle must be licensed and registered at your primary residence. That is just not a fine - it is punishable with jail time...

WasPA · 01-20-2007, 08:24 AM

Take care of it...it's a problem that can be resolved easily as opposed to problems that are difficult...best to get it off your mind so that you don't have anxiety while on the road...or off.....a clear mind is a wonderful thing.....make it a fun trip. Plan something to look forward to on the way or while in VA.

dullnboring · 01-20-2007, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WasPA

Take care of it...it's a problem that can be resolved easily as opposed to problems that are difficult...best to get it off your mind so that you don't have anxiety while on the road...or off.....a clear mind is a wonderful thing.....make it a fun trip. Plan something to look forward to on the way or while in VA.

Agreed.

I live in Northern Virginia and my mother (and 90% of the rest of my relative) live in Pennsylvania. Not sure where you are in Pennsylvania but the distance between Harrisburg and the DC area is just two hours. The state inspection here is only around $15. I had this same dilemma when I was living in Raleigh with my Virginia stickers and decided to just take a day and drive up to the first service station I saw over the state line and got my car inspected and then went back to Raleigh. I think five months is too much time to risk it with an expired sticker. One month would be fine but five is just pushing your luck too much for something that could be resolved relatively painlessly. If you have family and/or friends in Virginia, schedule a lunch or something with them if you don't just wanna pop down and back really quick.

mzmadmike · 04-10-2007, 08:04 AM

I'm not clear on why PA cops would have any authority over a VA plate or inspection sticker. It's outside their jurisdiction. As long as the registration IS current, that should be the end of their interest in the matter (apart from generic safety issues like bumpers, mufflers and seatbelts).

Of course, if you drive into VA and get pulled over, you are then subject to trouble.

Just make sure you still have the VA DL and home of record while in PA, before you move to CA. As long as you maintain a residence--either lease or your mail, you are "Resident." You can have someone forward the mail, as long as you don't change address. It legally shows intent that your home is still VA, and you're just visiting PA.

Technically, you'll need to pay VA income tax for that timeframe, too, or take care of the appropriate forms for PA after the fact. OTOH, as that's filed later with different agencies there's no reason for them to notice.

Of course, living in IN, "inspection stickers" are something I've heard of but never encountered. IANAL. YMMV.

mechtm84 · 04-10-2007, 08:47 AM

Yup, you will get ticketed. The moneyhungry PA police force will see to that. They think they have superiority over any other state when it comes to inspection stickers and licenses and just about everything else. If it ain't in PA, it ain't grade A

Smoker · 04-10-2007, 09:10 AM

I think once you are living in a state beyond 30 days you are considered a resident and must abide by that state's laws. It may be easier and cheaper to just get inspected here. You also need an emissions sticker. Last time both cost me $37.