Expired NJ Drivers License?

Question

My license expired on 5/31. I forgot completely about it. On 6/2 while on my way 2 work,I was stopped at a light (not moving). A policeman passed me, when the light change, I proceeded and stopped for gas. When finished I pulled out and was pulled over.
1st. The police said that he had hid and waited while I got gas, secondly, I asked what did i do and he replied, its not what you did, but what you didn't do and that's renew your license.
Question, it was totally my fault for not renewing my license after 30 years of driving, but what right did the police have for running my plates w/out cause

Answer 1

In NJ your expired DL is tied to your vehicle's registration information. When a plate is run a message appears on the officer's computer that the registered owner's driver's license is expired.



A driver has no expectation of privacy when driving your vehicle down the road from a random license plate check. Police do it all day, literally dozens of times. It is the reason your plates are displayed on the vehicle and there are rules regulating their exact display.



Their right to run it come from your right to drive the vehicle legally on the road. There is a minimum fine - but it is not the fine stated on the citation. If you go into court and explain your situation - and hopefully have a good driving history - the fine will be a lot less plus a court fee I am sure.

Answer 2

Do you mean it was your driver's license you hadn't renewed or your license tabs?



If it was your license tabs that would explain it. Cops are eagle eyes at spotting expired tabs. And that in itself would be a reason for him to pull you over. But if you're talking about your driver's license that would be weird as he would have had to have some sort of compelling reason to hide and wait for you and then pull you over. Maybe he just has really, really good instincts.

Answer 3

This is an old post and I do appreciate the attempt to answer. I paid a minor fine and I explained to the courts. But again, my concern (for lack of a better word) was why run my plates in the 1st place! Registration sticker was up to date, I wasn't speeding (in fact I was stopped at a light when the policeman passed me). He turned around to follow me (WHY). Did I look guilty of something while sitting there? Did my face say, "Hey.. My license are expired" Again, I didn't know they had expired, there's nothing on my plates to indicate that they were expired. When the light changed, I drove about 300 feet and stopped for gas (well within the speed limit because I had to stop). Why would he hid and run my plates. When I finished gassing up, he proceeded to follow me for an additional 50 feet before turning on his lights and pulling me over. Again, my concern was why run my plates in the 1st place if I wasn't doing anything wrong.



Its over & done; I just was curious and of course concerned!

Answer 4

Neither are answers to the question. Specifically, an expired NJ license. How simple can the question be?