1. Immediate Investigation: The police officer will likely initiate an on-the-spot investigation to determine why the license plate is not matching the vehicle. This may involve checking the car's registration, running the VIN number, and verifying the ownership and insurance information.
2. Issuance of Citations: The police officer can issue citations for various offenses, including:
- Using the wrong or improper license plate
- Operating an unregistered vehicle
- Driving without proper registration and/or insurance
3. Impoundment of Vehicle: In some cases, law enforcement may impound the vehicle if they suspect that it may be stolen, involved in illegal activities, or posing a safety hazard. The vehicle will be held until the situation can be clarified and the rightful ownership is established.
4. Additional Charges: If the police discover that you knowingly and intentionally used the license plate from another car to deceive law enforcement or to conceal the true identity of the vehicle, you may face additional charges, such as fraud, forgery, or identity theft.
5. Possible Arrest: Depending on the severity of the situation and your cooperation with law enforcement, you may be subject to arrest and potentially charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
To avoid such legal complications, always ensure that the license plate on your vehicle matches the vehicle's registration and that all the necessary documents, including your driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration, are up to date and readily available during traffic stops.
