Big Nasty Problem With Truck Plates

So, we went to work for a smaller company as his first set of team drivers. I don't want to go into details about everything, just get into our current issue. When the boss bought the truck he paid for expedited title and licensing for it. We already have a DOT number and IFTA stickers, etc. However, the temporary license has now expired and we're stuck in Kenosha, WI, with no permanent plates yet. The company we're driving for had us drop their trailer and park at a truck stop nearby. Our boss has called everyone he can about the issue and they are saying that they're just getting to the licensing for everything through mid August. We are going to end up sitting unpaid, and they want to send us home while we wait for a resolution. We have copies of all the documents that were signed, and the receipts for payment of this expedited title and license on our phone. What are the legalities of us driving home with this expired temporary bobtail? We're prepared to drive at night and do what we can to be incognito, however that temporary tag in the windshield says September 7th, and I worry if we take it down that might be even more of a red flag. Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Well, if it were me, and the owner says it's ok, I'd take the risk and go home in it. Aside from any scales along the way. I sure wouldn't want to just sit and wait for how long, for FREE? pfffft And how far out are you also, could be an expensive, fuel wise drive home or where ever he wants his rig.

Good Luck with this, hopefully he get's it handled ASAP, and the plates put on.

We agree, we DO NOT want to just sit here for however long it takes. However, we don't want any dings on our record either. Both our licenses and inspection histories are squeaky clean. Home is Phoenix. If they do release us to go home, we plan to run nights and keep a wary on Trucker Path. I know for sure we'll want to avoid certain areas of NM, as some of the scales there tend to be open all hours and all days. Should we take the temporary paper down or leave it up, and just show the copies of the paperwork our boss gave us?

Your in a tough spot legally. Different states take have different processing times. Once that temp expired it is unregistered. No grace period legally. DOT can shut you down. The electronics at scales will flag you if they are open.

It sounds like your company used a service for registration. I hate those folks. They sell services they know are false or misleading. I always go straight to my state and never use a service. My state, GA is very clear it takes 3 weeks for a renewal and 6-12 weeks for initial issue. They also do NOT issue temporary’s.

Use your best judgement.

Good point PJ. My truck was paid in cash. I was not told to display my temp plate, but to keep it in my permits book. I wasnt stopped and it took a month to get the plate. No one asked. But as PJ said, my truck would come up registered if they ran it.

You might be able to play dumb... but.. it makes you look stupid and shouldn't have a CDL. You could be honest and hope for a compassionate officer.

I would prpbably tell the owner I want him to pay for transportation to get home. Rental car, train, plane. Whatever