wyattbiker
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ
My car was towed today because the registration was expired and it's long weekend so I can't get it renewed. Lots of moola Ill have to pay to get it out and I could see tow truck guy salivating. I know I'm not the only one (Ive heard other stories like this) since they started not supplying plate reminder stickers and the police using the drive by electronic scanners. No I did not get the renewal (lost maybe?) and yes I forgot to check my registration every month.
But ok, I know its the law in NJ so no argument here nor looking for sympathy, but I don't understand the reasoning why the legislators would pass such a harsh law over an expired registration? The state does not get anything out of the towing fee. Why not give a fine with a 7 day warning or something for expired registration. The car has a valid inspection so no danger there.
So my real question finally is. Can this be construed as cruel and unusual punishment given that they seize a $20K car over a $55 fine+$100 registration? Can a constitutional legal case be made to change this law so it's not such heavy on punishment given the fact that the car is not dangerous, has valid inspection sticker and was otherwise parked legally?
Thanks
My car was towed today because the registration was expired and it's long weekend so I can't get it renewed. Lots of moola Ill have to pay to get it out and I could see tow truck guy salivating. I know I'm not the only one (Ive heard other stories like this) since they started not supplying plate reminder stickers and the police using the drive by electronic scanners. No I did not get the renewal (lost maybe?) and yes I forgot to check my registration every month.
But ok, I know its the law in NJ so no argument here nor looking for sympathy, but I don't understand the reasoning why the legislators would pass such a harsh law over an expired registration? The state does not get anything out of the towing fee. Why not give a fine with a 7 day warning or something for expired registration. The car has a valid inspection so no danger there.
So my real question finally is. Can this be construed as cruel and unusual punishment given that they seize a $20K car over a $55 fine+$100 registration? Can a constitutional legal case be made to change this law so it's not such heavy on punishment given the fact that the car is not dangerous, has valid inspection sticker and was otherwise parked legally?
Thanks