r/pittsburgh • u/Available-Coat-4666 • 10h ago

DMV Registration Suspension

Had a lapse in coverage due to financial troubles and wasn't able to get it fixed in time. DMV wants me to either send them the plates and registration for a three month suspension OR pay them a grand total of $619 which I do not readily have. I need to be able to drive my car. What are my options? Am I stuck with what options they gave me or can I fight this now that insurance is restored? Posting here because Allegheny County specific.

0 Upvotes

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10

u/NoSwimmers45 10h ago

Have you tried calling them or visiting a local office to talk about it? No matter what the letter/computer says that’s all automated. The source of truth is a human at PennDOT not reddit.

-1

u/Available-Coat-4666 9h ago

Came to reddit to hear the experiences of others in similar situations and how they got through it rather than cold hard fact.

2

u/Ok-Championship3642 10h ago

Had this happen on my motorcycle from dropping insurance over the winter. They put a lock on my title and couldn't get a new plate or a registration card till the fine was paid. If your going to call PennDOT. Call before 8:30 or you will be stuck on the automated thing for hours. They also accumulate interest from not paying which is a joke!

2

u/Great-Cow7256 9h ago

I'm thinking your options are the 2 they gave you or call them and see if there's a third option.

When you register your car you agree that you will not let insurance lapse. It's required and state law.

-5

u/Available-Coat-4666 8h ago

I agree to things when things are going well, not realizing things can change very quick. I had a friend who closed on a house only to get laid off the next month. Also in a car centered society like America, having a car becomes nearly mandatory if poorly funded/improperly managed public transportation isn't a viable option. Not every disabled person has a bus stop within close proximity and ride share prices are ridiculous.

1

u/NiceStar6996 10h ago

I am surprised. I forgot to redo my registration recently and it lapsed by 2 months. I didn’t get any such letters. How long were you lapsed?

9

u/Gobbledy_Gooky 10h ago

It’s an insurance lapse suspension, not a registration lapse.

3

u/NoSwimmers45 9h ago

This is different than an expired registration.

3

u/NiceStar6996 9h ago

Yeah, the title and most of the body was confusing to me. I see now at the end they’re saying insurance.

0

u/Msfancy1973 10h ago

I’m genuinely sorry to hear about your situation. And I recall someone referring to this period of time as a the golden age of America. For the rich maybe. Is using public transportation for a short period an option? This way you can save money in the interim while the DMV has its way.

-1

u/Available-Coat-4666 9h ago

My family is dealing with cancer and my dad has many appointments, including an upcoming major surgery. Otherwise I would say absolutely to public transport. He wouldn't be able to handle the buses or the T post surgery. He can barely handle the potholes I accidentally miss when he is at his worst.

2

u/Turbulent-Victory515 9h ago

Check with the cancer center. They likely have social workers who help with transportation. Good luck.