Something I think I should mention. Here in Washington State, shortly after the tabs expire, the plates are cancelled so any one who wants the same plate can have it. If you renew the tabs, you continue with the plate.
Well, if the plates are cancelled and you are stopped, it is a criminal offense (driving with cancelled plates) instead of a citation of driving with expired tabs. Is there a difference? Yes, there sure it!
I was given a ticket without bail and had a mandatory court appearence! When I went in, I was looking at 3 days in jail, community service time, and $350 + in fines.
After a long drawn out process, I was allowed to plea bargain to driving with expired tabs which is $150.
After finding this out, I have started to let everyone I know about the difference in plates. If it had of been a regular plate, it would not have been cancelled and just been expired tabs, and many times the police just warn you and tell you to get them on.