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ConsumerWatch: Some Cops Still Unaware Of DMV Registration Grace Period

SACRAMENTO (CBS 5) - In July, a legislative deal prevented the Department of Motor Vehicles from sending out registration renewal notices on time. Because of this, the DMV gave all drivers a 30-day extension to pay and a 60-day grace period before law enforcement would be allowed to issue tickets and citations.

ConsumerWatch reporter Julie Watts had her own run-in with a San Francisco police officer who tried to give her a ticket for expired registration.

When she tried to tell the officer about the grace period, she was still given a ticket. There seemed to be a miscommunication between what the DMV had decided and what law enforcement officials know.

The SFPD said it is reminding its officers about the grace period, but it would be a good idea to hold onto a copy of a document that the DMV had made available to us.

The document clearly states "law enforcement will not cite vehicles during the grace period." We suggest keeping a copy in your car if you are ever in a situation where you are still in the extension period but are being cited for expired tags.

The DMV is now caught up on sending out renewal notices on time, but the extensions are still valid and good for all drivers until the end of the year.

You can print out your own copy of the DMV document here.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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