VEH.3.14.020 Penalty for Operating Unregistered or Improperly Registered Vehicle

(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate or for an owner to consent to being

operated on any highway of this jurisdiction any motor vehicle, mobile home, trailer, or any other vehicle for which a registration fee is specifically prescribed unless at the time of operation the vehicle in question either is registered in this jurisdiction, or, a complete application for registration, including evidence of any inspection required by the jurisdiction, accompanied by the required fee has been delivered to the department or deposited in the mail properly addressed with postage prepaid, and if the vehicle is an automobile, station wagon or motor truck having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less, the vehicle displays a temporary operation plate issued for the vehicle unless the operator or owner of the vehicle displays a temporary operation plate issued for the vehicle unless the operator or owner of the vehicle produces proof that operation of the vehicle is within 2 business days of the vehicle's sale or transfer, or the vehicle in question is exempt from registration.

(1) A vehicle may be operated by a private person after the date of purchase of such vehicle by such private person or after the date such person moved to this jurisdiction if application for registration and certificate of title has been made.

(b) All vehicles subject to renewal or registration may be operated provided that application for re-registration has been made.

(c) Unless application for re-registration has been made as required by Section VEH.3.11.040, it is unlawful for any person to operate or for the owner to consent to being operated on any highway of this jurisdiction any registered vehicle the construction or use of which has been changed so as to make the vehicle subject to a higher fee than the fee at which it currently is registered or which is carrying a greater load than that permitted under the current registration.

(1) Any person who violates par. (a) or (b), where the vehicle used is an automobile, station wagon, or any other vehicle having a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less, may be required to forfeit not more than $200.

(d) Any person who violates par. (a) or (b), where the vehicle used is vehicle not enumerated under sub. (1), may be required to forfeit not more than $500.