Every vehicle registration, except those described in sections 39-04-14.1 and 39-04-14.4, under this chapter expires on December thirty-first each year and must be renewed annually upon application by the owner and by payment of the fees required by law, such renewal to take effect on the first day of January each year. An owner who has made proper application for renewal of registration of a vehicle previous to January first but who has not received the number plates, plate, or registration card for the ensuing year is entitled to operate or permit the operation of such vehicle upon the highways upon displaying thereon the number plates or plate issued for the preceding year for such time, to be prescribed by the department, as may be required for the issuance of the new plates. If a previously registered motor vehicle whose registered gross weight exceeds twenty thousand pounds [9071.84 kilograms] is purchased during the period the vehicle’s registration in this state is expired, the registration fee must be prorated on a monthly basis from the date of purchase to January first.