On Nov. 30, I was pulled over and issued a traffic citation for expired vehicle registration . I am guilty, no doubt about it. But I find it ridiculous that my negligence of not renewing the $97 annual registration has escalated to a citation totaling $204 (fine $75, EMS $20, surcharge $45, cost $40, JCP/ATJ $22).
This is just not right! PennDOT eliminated plate registration stickers and registration/inspection due at the same time, supposedly to save mailing cost — or maybe a creative way to generate revenue through fines?
The penalty (fines/fees) does not fit the crime. If PennDOT can program police vehicle cameras to scan plates for registration compliance, surely it could program to generate an email, text or mail a notice to the owner that registration is past due, or offer “auto renew” option.
On the positive side, the state trooper was kind, courteous and professional throughout the traffic stop.
James Broker
Hempfield