Keeping Vanity Plates?

[V1GiLaNtE]

Since I've sold the Subaru I obviously kept the plates as a keepsake. I'm trying to get an understanding of the legality of actually doing so?

I know I've seen Jake/Joey's garage filled with old plates but I've read DMV can slam you with a huge fine if they think the plates are still active and you're driving the car around uninsured without paying the fee?

Or maybe I'm just making shit up.. IDK. :dunno:

[SlimKlim]

Hey, it's not filled... I don't think they care that much, the car/plate # isn't registered anymore.

[davej]

lady wouldn't give me a refund on the registration because i was only turning on plate in, even though the other was 'lost', so it cost me a few bucks for the souvenir

[SlimKlim]

Oh I guess that's what it is, I've been forfeiting my registration refund by not turning them in. :dunno:

[RawrImAMonster]

You're supposed to turn one of them in. Otherwise, yeah they can fine you if you cancel your insurance policy before you turn them in.

They actually asked me if I wanted to keep one of the vanity plates when I turned mine in on the eclipse. The fine thing is just what my aunt told me (insurance agent).

[Jake]

There is an option when you get what's left of your registration refunded to "destroy your plates yourself" - that's what I always pick.

[Ryan T]

I guess if you want to be technical about it,

§ 46.2-613
Fail or refuse to surrender to the Department or the Department of State Police, on demand, any certificate of title, registration card, or license plate or decal which has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked. Violation of this subdivision shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for not more than six months and a fine of not more than $1,000, either or both.

So if you ever received a written request to turn them in you probably should. Has anyone ever actually been prosecuted for keeping vanity plates though? I doubt it. I've got at least 60 license plates dating back to the 1930s. I've also kept both copies of every plate I've ever been issued and never had a problem.

[CaptainHenreh]

I'm with stupid ^^^ send in reg card, plates are "destroyed"...I don't think I've ever turned in Vanity plates. I still have "MOOR MPG" from college.

[Sully]

I don't think I've ever turned in a registration card....oops :dunno: I've only turned in plates on my motorcycle when I took insurance off it since it wasn't sold and maybe one other car that I just did because idk why. None of mine are vanity, I'm just too lazy to return them.

[V1GiLaNtE]

I don't think I've ever turned in a registration card....oops :dunno: I've only turned in plates on my motorcycle when I took insurance off it since it wasn't sold and maybe one other car that I just did because idk why. None of mine are vanity, I'm just too lazy to return them.

Yea, I've realized my last 3 vehicles I have never done that.. Oh well.

[JustinG]

I just go on the DMV site, say its sold, and then it says I can turn the plates in or destroy them.

Hence why I still has RSONPSI, MN3YPIT, and will have FMLY WGN once sold.

[Sully]

Apparently, and you guys may already know this, you can buy souvenir plates on dmvs website. I guess they're real metal plates. But maybe not, cause I feel like people would be buying fake plates. Anyone conform this?

[WRXtranceformed]

I just turned in the plates for Rachael's Elantra and the county is sending me a prorated property tax refund of $159.29! Nice!