The Truth About Temporary Tags in Missouri

If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle from a dealer, you’ve likely driven away with temporary license tags. In Missouri, these tags are valid for 30 días, while in Kansas, you get 60 days. They’re meant to give you time to complete your vehicle registration and update your seguro de automóvil. Most insurance policies automatically cover newly purchased vehicles for the first 30 days, but after that, you must have proper coverage in place.

Unfortunately, an alarming number of drivers continue using expired temporary tags for months—sometimes even years. This isn’t just a minor violation; it’s a major safety and financial risk. Often, expired tags signal that the driver hasn’t paid sales tax, completed registration, or obtained the necessary insurance.

Missouri’s New Law on Temporary Tags

In response to the growing problem of expired tags and uninsured drivers, Missouri passed a new law requiring sales tax to be paid upfront when you buy a car. In return, buyers receive a semi-permanent tag until permanent plates arrive. This law aims to reduce the number of uninsured and unregistered vehicles on Missouri roads, protecting all drivers from the dangers of uninsured accidents.

Why Expired Tags Matter in Personal Injury Cases

En Ley de lesiones de Northland, we frequently help clients who have been injured in car accidents with uninsured drivers. Missouri and Kansas law require every auto insurance policy to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which helps cover your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance.

However, UM coverage usually does no pay for vehicle repairs unless you also have collision coverage. This means that if you’re hit by a driver with expired tags and no insurance, you could face serious financial loss if your own policy isn’t strong enough.

Essential Insurance Coverage for Missouri Drivers

Many drivers carry only the state minimum insurance—but these limits are often far too low to cover medical bills, lost wages, and dolor y sufrimiento after a serious crash. We recommend reviewing your policy to ensure you have adequate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

In Missouri, you may also benefit from stacking coverage—combining the UM coverage for each insured vehicle on your policy. This can greatly increase your protection in the event of a catastrophic accident.

Our Advice: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Driving is more than a privilege—it’s a legal and financial responsibility. Expired temporary tags don’t just risk a ticket; they can signal a lack of insurance, which can leave everyone involved vulnerable after a crash.

Check your insurance policy today to make sure it not only meets Missouri’s legal requirements but also protects you from the real financial impact of an accident. If you’ve been hurt in a collision—especially one involving an uninsured driver—our Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Northland Injury Law are here to help.

📞 Call us today for a free consultation and let us protect your rights, your health, and your future.