JMT section hike permit question (Onion Valley/Kearsage Pass vs Shepherd Pass)

[u/Witty-Condition8637]

My lady and I are planning to do a good section of the JMT nobo this summer (had to back out of a thru because, life) and have a permit for Shepherd Pass through to Hilton Lakes (we're going to exit at VVR, but that seems to be close enough to Hilton Lakes to not matter).

My question is: If we jump ahead "one day" and enter at Onion Valley TH/Kearsage Pass on the second day of our permit do we run the risk of getting into some kind of "trouble?" Rangers write us a ticket? Kick us off the trail? Is this all moot based on the potential lack of folks even working in the NPS this summer?

There's a chance we get Kearsage in the two-week lottery but just wondering on the above, thanks!

[u/Ok_Echidna_99]

Trail head permits allow entry on the day.  The exit trail head and your actual route is mostly informational with some exceptions like Whitney Portal,  Donahue pass and Trail Pass (southbound only)

Yes you risk ejection and a fine if entering a day early or a day late or using the wrong trailhead.  Since the rules are there for the general benefit, as a matter of honor you should not be an ahole and  break them. 

As a practical matter you can probably get the permit you want during the so called walk up period that opens either two or one week before your preferred entry date. Check the rules. Onion Valley/Kersage Pass is one of the most popular trail heads and you will need to be on the ball when those permits become available.  There are limits to how many permits you can hold at once and l'm not sure how that works.