Independence police to crack down on temporary tags, license plates next week
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Police in Independence want the public to know they’re watching — and taking concerns over expired temporary license tags seriously.
Beginning next week, patrol officers will be on the lookout for expired license plates and temp tags. It’s a concern that also has the attention of Missouri lawmakers.
Independence Police Ofc. Jack Taylor said the public has asked police to crack down on violators.
“We’ve let it go for a long time and we’re going to start enforcing this again,” Taylor said on Thursday.
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FOX4 cameras took a quick spin around the Independence Downtown Square on Thursday. We spotted six expired temporary tags including one that dates back to 2022.
Taylor recalls the pandemic era, when agencies like the Missouri Department of Revenue experienced shutdowns, and police officers were among those distancing themselves from others.
“It’s still illegal. It’s always been illegal. It’s always been an expectation,” Taylor said. “Make sure you get your tags done because next week, they’re going to be looking for that when they’re out on the road.”
Some owners with expired tags let it go because they never insured their cars. That’s illegal. The Missouri Legislature is considering three bills that would tighten the rules on temporary license plates, and stiffen penalties on those who break the rules.
“If you get into a crash, and it’s your fault, and you don’t have insurance, who’s going to pay for the damages? Who’s responsible for that? That helps protect everyone who’s out driving around,” Taylor said.
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Last month, FOX4 told you about a similar crackdown on expired temp tags by Kansas City, Missouri police. We asked for an update on that effort on Thursday, but no data was made available.
Getting a ticket for expired tags carries an $86 fine in Independence. Taylor also specifies that if an expired license plate belongs on the car to which it’s registered, officers won’t take it away.
If it’s found to be a stolen plate or expired temp tag, police will take it away, and give the driver a ticket. The car’s owner will still have to legally register the car.
