(DENVER) Travelers at Denver International Airport face a sharp rise in citations for expired license plates, with nearly 7,000 tickets issued so far in 2025. March 2025 alone saw a record 1,691 vehicles ticketed, the highest monthly total ever at the airport. This surge comes as airport officials and police enforce routine checks during busy travel months, leaving many drivers surprised by the strict penalties.
Record Number of Citations at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸, has seen a significant increase in citations for expired license plates this year. According to the latest data, March 2025 set a new record with 1,691 citations, surpassing the previous peak of nearly 1,600 in March 2024. On average, about 54 vehicles per day received tickets for expired tags during that month. Each citation carries a $95 fine, not including the cost of renewing the registration or any extra penalties for letting the tags stay expired for too long.
Routine Enforcement, Not a Special Crackdown
Airport and police officials stress that this uptick is not part of a special campaign. Instead, it reflects routine enforcement during high-traffic months when more travelers park at the airport. Both the Denver Police Department (DPD) and the airport’s Commercial Parking team have the authority to issue citations for expired license plates at Denver International Airport. DPD has run citywide expired plate campaigns in the past, but these were not focused on the airport itself.
Courtney Law, a spokesperson for Denver International Airport, explained, “The spike in citations is due to higher traffic, not a targeted enforcement initiative.” DPD officials also confirmed that their officers cite for expired tags when they find them during other violations, but there is no special focus on the airport.
How the Citation Process Works
Citations for expired license plates are usually placed on the windshield of vehicles parked in airport lots. Both DPD officers and airport parking enforcement staff can issue these tickets. There is a 30-day grace period for expired permanent license plates before a citation can be given. However, there is no grace period for expired temporary plates. This means if your temporary tag is expired, you can get a ticket right away.
The fine for each citation is $95, and this does not include the cost to renew your registration or any late fees. If you do not renew your registration quickly, you may face even more penalties. The Denver DMV website offers information and online services for registration renewal, making it easier for drivers to update their tags before parking at the airport. You can find official details and renew your registration on the Denver DMV website.
Why the Increase in Citations Now?
The main reason for the increase in citations at Denver International Airport is the higher number of travelers during busy months. As more people fly in and out of the city, more cars are left in airport parking lots. This gives enforcement teams more chances to spot expired license plates. There has been no change in policy or new enforcement program at the airport in 2025. Instead, the rise in tickets is a result of routine checks during periods of heavy traffic.
DPD has also responded to complaints from residents about expired tags, especially temporary ones, by increasing enforcement citywide. In 2024, DPD ran month-long crackdowns in July and November, as well as a joint statewide operation in September. However, these efforts were not aimed specifically at the airport.
Public Support for Stricter Enforcement
Many local residents support the crackdown on expired license plates. Public forums and local media show that people are frustrated by the number of cars with expired tags. They welcome stricter enforcement, believing it helps keep roads safer and ensures everyone follows the same rules. As reported by VisaVerge.com, there has been no significant opposition or controversy about the increased ticketing at Denver International Airport.
What Travelers Need to Know
If you plan to park at Denver International Airport, make sure your vehicle registration is current. Here are some important points to remember:
- 🔎 Check your license plate expiration date before traveling.
- 💻 Renew your registration online through the Denver DMV website if needed.
- 📅 Remember the 30-day grace period applies only to permanent plates, not temporary ones.
- 💸 A citation for expired tags at the airport costs $95, plus any renewal and penalty fees.
- 🚗 Citations are usually placed on your windshield while your car is parked.
Ignoring an expired tag can quickly become expensive, especially if you travel often or leave your car at the airport for long periods.
Background: Changing Enforcement at the Airport
In the past, enforcement of expired license plates at Denver International Airport was less strict. Frequent travelers say the current level of ticketing is unprecedented. Over the past year, DPD has increased efforts to address expired tags across the city, especially after complaints from residents. This has led to more tickets being issued not just at the airport, but throughout Denver.
Who Can Issue Citations?
Both DPD officers and airport parking staff have the power to issue citations for expired license plates at Denver International Airport. This means that even if you park in a lot managed by the airport, you are still at risk of getting a ticket if your tags are expired. The process is straightforward: enforcement staff check parked vehicles, and if they find expired tags, they issue a citation and place it on the windshield.
No Announced Changes to Enforcement Policy
As of August 2025, there are no announced changes to the enforcement policy at Denver International Airport. Citywide and statewide efforts to address expired license plates are expected to continue, especially during busy travel periods or in response to public complaints. Travelers should expect routine checks to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Practical Tips for Avoiding Citations
To avoid getting a citation for expired license plates at Denver International Airport, follow these simple steps:
- ✅ Check your registration status before you travel.
- ✅ Renew your registration online if it is close to expiring.
- ✅ Keep proof of renewal in your vehicle.
- ✅ Do not rely on the grace period if you have a temporary plate.
- ✅ Contact the Denver DMV or airport parking services if you have questions about your registration or a citation.
Conclusion: What This Means for Travelers and Residents
The surge in citations for expired license plates at Denver International Airport highlights the importance of keeping vehicle registrations up to date. With routine enforcement and strong public support, travelers should expect continued checks and fines for expired tags. By renewing your registration on time and staying informed about local rules, you can avoid costly penalties and help keep the airport running smoothly for everyone.
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