Washington Driver Has Double Car Tabs. What's Going On?

I'm not sure if the person who did this is dumb, sneaky, or easily distracted. By putting on the car tab on the wrong side, you'll be getting a ticket if it's noticed. Which, if I noticed, chances are, law enforcement will notice as well. We'll discuss below.

How I feel about Washington State Car Tabs

Let me be clear: I hate the idea of car tabs, and the extra way the government charges us a fee on something we've already paid taxes on numerous times.

Tax when we buy the car, tax when we put the car in our name, tax on insurance to drive the car, tax on the gas we put in it, tax on our drivers license to show that we legally know how to drive the car. And a tax EVERY YEAR just to show that it can still drive on the road. And the less we talk about those $30 car tabs many in Washington are still waiting for, the better for my blood pressure.

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But then I see a person who has a license plate like this. With the year tab sticker in place on both the left and right side of the tab spots.

What Was This Person Thinking When It Comes To Their Washington Tabs?

I figure there are 4 headspaces this person could have been in:

Sneaky. If they cover the month sticker with the year, officers who aren't paying attention won't notice the wrong color of month (or lack of month), and they won't get a ticket.

Accidental. They put it on the wrong side, and the glue is too strong to peel off.

Dumb. They actually think that's where it goes. Will they put the 2027 tab sticker on the other side for 26/27?

Fighting Authority. They know what they did, and they don't care. Maybe they feel like I do and think the tab system is a pointless cash grab.

"I paid the amount for that price. I should be good for 2 years! Screw it!" - Possible Owner Of That Double Year Tab Car Pictured Above

What Expired Tabs Could Cost You In Washington.

The ticket fee depends on how expired they are. For 2 months or less, it could be up to $145, and longer than 2 months could cost you up to $237, possibly more depending on location. And if the car is parked on a public street, it could even be towed.

What are your thoughts on this person's plates or on the whole car tab debate in general? Tap the App and sound off.