Q: ticket for driving with suspended registration due to missing smog check in Maryland
My wife received a ticket for driving with suspended registration due to missing smog check yet I have paperwork showing the current smog check still has 8 months on it. The only option on the ticket is "request a trial" which seems way to much for what seems like a clerical error. Is there any way to clear this up without going to trial ?
A: You cannot clear this up without going to court. She should request a trial within 30 days of the ticket and go to court. She should bring proof that her registration is valid and the emissions test. She should be acquitted under these facts.
A: I've never heard of a "smog check." However, if you're referring to a suspended registration due to allegedly failing to have a timely vehicle emissions test, the only way to contest the ticket is to appear in court and provide evidence proving your defense. If you feel the time and effort and not worth your while, you can pay the ticket, which is a non-moving violation - but get your vehicle inspected right away to avoid another purportedly clerical error that can result in a duplicate charge.
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