Can cops run a license on parked car?

In most jurisdictions, police officers have the authority to run a license plate number on any parked car. This is because parked cars are still considered to be in public view, and therefore are not protected by any reasonable expectation of privacy.

Here are some of the reasons why police officers might run a license plate number on a parked car:

- To check for registration and insurance status

- To see if the car has been reported stolen

- To identify the owner of the car

- To investigate a crime that has been committed in the area

If a police officer runs a license plate number on a parked car and discovers that the car is unregistered, uninsured, or stolen, they may take action to impound the car or arrest the owner. Additionally, if the police officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that a crime has been committed, they may search the car for evidence.