ST. LOUIS — There is some good news for drivers with expired temporary tags: a loan program through the city of St. Louis is moving forward. And in just a few months, city residents will be able to apply for the assistance.
St. Louis resident Andy Crossett said it can be frustrating to see so many expired temporary tags.
“It's starting to get better, I think but it's still a problem. No question,” Crossett said.
He said while safety is always a concern, he's also worried about what people and programs might miss out on.
“I'm concerned more about the funds that the property tax goes to, making sure the schools are being funded properly and museums and all those things that these taxes paid for. And it's troubling if everybody's not contributing like they're supposed to,” Crossett said.
Conner Kerrigan, a spokesperson for Mayor Tishaura Jones' office, said the city has approved the contract for nonprofit Justine Peterson to help drivers with expired temporary tags get a loan to cover the tax and insurance.
“These people are expected to pay back the loan once they get into compliance, and they will be working with financial literacy coaches to help them make sure that they repay that loan,” Kerrigan said.
That loan money comes from a pool of $315,000 out of the Department of Public Safety's budget, which taxpayers contribute to.
To qualify for a temp tag loan, drivers have to make no more than 80% of the median income for a family of four — roughly $80,000.
“They'll need to prove that income level, and they'll also need to prove ability to repay the loan. It's a 0% interest loan. However, there are late fees that can be up to 5% of the overdue amount,” Kerrigan said.
Kerrigan said the city knows that enforcement alone isn't going to cut it, but they are ramping up citations for expired temp tags. Drivers can get a ticket even when parked.
“The treasurer's office is writing more citations. (St. Louis police are) writing more citations. But we need to take a holistic view of how to solve this problem. And this is just one part of that,” Kerrigan said.
The temp tag loan program will start this fall.