Expert: Jim Pastore - 5/7/2008

Question
My car was reported stolen,
The registration expires in a copula wee
Am wondering:  if the car is found, what will hap if it’s   perceived as stolen by the law enforcement?
Will they tow it if imp not present to explain that the car is now with the rightful owner/operator>?
It should b noted imp only the driver and operator not the registered owner?
Will I be stopped inordinately by police?
Will they arrest me or give me time to explain?
Any good   reasons to let the car remain known as stolen?
Lack of responsibility for parking tickets etc
Or will they get back on me later?
And what is the signify of the registration expiring soon, the effect on tickets? And towing and police seizure and moving violation and insurance etc
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR A CAR ‘S REGISTRATION TO BE EXTENDED ONCE IT EXPIRES IN GENERAL AND ESPECIALLY IF THE CAR IS PERCEVIED AS STOLEN?
WHICH MAY MAKE ME EXEMPT FROM TIX AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DRIVING NA UNREGISTERED VEHICLE?

OTHER SCENARIO:
IN GENERAL, Y IS IT IMPORTATN TO TELL THE INSURANCE CO, THAT A CAR WAS STOLEN?
MAYBE IT’S BETER NOT TO, Y?? SINCE THEN THE THIEF WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT AND HAVE A GREATER CHANCE OF GETTING STOPPED AND CUAGHT
AND IF THERES AN ACCIDENT   THE INJURY TO OTHERS AND /IOR THE CAR WILL BE REIMBURSABLE
WHEREAS THIS WOULD NOT BE THE CASE IF THE CAR WAS REPROTED STOLEN.


Answer
The registered owner is the one that must report a car stolen and that same person would be the only one the Police would turn the car over to. Normal procedure is if the car is located the occupants would be arrested if it is not the registered owner and the car is towed and impounded. The owner then mush show up with proof of ownership and ID. The car should be reported to the insurance company in order to get a rental and or repaired if found or replaced if not found.

Jim