What Ohio Buyers Should Know About Temporary Tags and License Plates

When buying a car in Ohio, it’s important to know the rules for temporary tags and license plates to make sure everything goes smoothly. Temporary tags are used as a short-term solution until your permanent plates arrive. To make sure you’re buying a safe used car, use an Ohio license plate lookup service. It will let you check the car’s history, including past sales transactions and any possible problems. Don’t skip this important step when buying a used car in Ohio!

This article explains Ohio’s rules for temporary tags, how people might misuse them, and how to use a license plate lookup tool to verify if they’re real.

Temporary Tags in Ohio: Key Rules and Regulations

In Ohio, temporary tags let new vehicle owners drive legally while they wait for their permanent plates. These tags are good for up to 45 days, giving enough time to finish the title and registration. 

Here are the key things to know about getting temporary tags:

Common Misuse of Temporary Tags in Ohio

Temporary tags can sometimes be misused, especially in fake vehicle sales. Knowing about these situations can help you avoid making expensive mistakes:

1. Fake Temporary Tags: Some people make fake temporary tags to sell stolen or unregistered cars. These fake tags might look real, but they won’t pass inspection.
2. Expired Tags: Some sellers might give you a car with expired temporary tags, which could lead to fines or car towing. Always check the expiration date to make sure it’s still valid.
3. Unregistered Vehicles: Sellers may use temporary tags to hide the fact that the car isn’t registered. This can cause problems when you try to transfer the title or register the car in your name.
4. Multiple Temporary Tags: Some sellers use more than one temporary tag for the same car. This is especially true if the car changes hands without being properly registered. This can lead to legal problems for both the seller and buyer.
5. Using Temporary Tags Too Long: Temporary tags are only valid for a short time. Using them longer than allowed can result in fines or other legal issues for both the seller and buyer.
6. Improper Tag Placement: Temporary tags need to be displayed correctly to be valid. Some sellers might hide the tag inside the car instead of putting it on the back window. This can cause problems during inspections or if police stop you.

Red Flags to Watch for During a Vehicle Purchase

When buying a car, especially from a private seller, watch out for these red flags:

• Inconsistent Information: If the details on the temporary tag don’t match the car’s real profile, it’s a red flag.
• Unusual Pricing: A car priced much lower than normal could be a scam. Do your research to make sure it’s a real deal.
• Lack of Documentation: Be cautious if the seller can’t provide the vehicle title or registration.
• Expired Temporary Tags: Expired or improperly renewed temporary tags could mean the vehicle’s ownership is being hidden. Check the issue date to make sure they’re valid.
• Fraudulent Tag Transfer: Some sellers might try to use a tag from a different vehicle to trick you. Make sure the tag belongs to the car being sold.
• Not Following Ohio Rules: Ohio has strict rules for using temporary tags. If they’re used incorrectly or kept after expiration, it could be a problem.
• Altered Temporary Tags: If the tag looks tampered with or low quality, it could be a scam. Always check for signs of changes.
• Using Tags for Business: Temporary tags are not meant for business use, like transporting goods. Make sure the car is being used for personal purposes only.

How to Verify Temporary Tag Authenticity

To make sure the temporary tag is real, follow these steps:

1. Check the Tag: Look for any signs that the tag has been tampered with, poorly printed, or has incorrect information. Real temporary tags should show the issue date, expiration date, and vehicle details.
2. Check the Seller’s Info: If you’re buying from a dealership, make sure they are a licensed dealer in Ohio. If it’s a private seller, ask for their ID and proof of ownership. Check that the name on the ID matches the name on the title and registration.
3. Ask the Ohio BMV: If you’re unsure about the temporary tag, contact the Ohio BMV. They can confirm if the tag is real and offer guidance. You can also report suspicious activity to them.
4. Contact Local Law Enforcement: If you think something’s off with the temporary tag, contact local law enforcement. They can confirm if the tag is real and whether there are any ongoing investigations.

Benefits of Using a License Plate Lookup

Using a license plate lookup is a helpful tool when buying a car in Ohio. Here’s how it can benefit you:

• Find Out if the Vehicle is Stolen: A license plate lookup can tell if the vehicle is flagged stolen.
• Check for Title Problems: You can see if the car has a salvage title, unpaid loans, or other issues that could make it hard to transfer ownership.
• Verify What the Seller Said: Confirm that the car’s details match what the seller has told you.
• Check Sales History: Look up sales timeline to check how the vehicle frequently changed hands. 
• Make Sure There Are No Recalls: Check if there are any open recalls that could affect safety.
• Look for Past Accidents: See if the car has been in any accidents or had damages reported.
• Know the Car’s Value: Learn the car’s current market value based on its history to help with pricing discussions.
• Spot Odometer Tampering: Detect if the mileage is correct or if it’s been tampered with, like an odometer rollback.
• Avoid Flood-Damaged Cars: Find out if the car has been in a flood, which can cause long-term problems.
• Check for Legal Issues: See if the car has any legal problems, such as unpaid loans or theft.

Protect Your Investment with a License Plate Lookup

Buying a car is a big investment, so it’s important to make sure temporary tags and other paperwork are legit. Learn Ohio’s rules and use license plate lookup to avoid scams and feel good about your purchase.

Want to make sure your car purchase is safe? Try our vehicle tag lookup today!