The Practice of Police Running License Plate Checks

Police officers often run license plate checks when they are behind a vehicle at traffic lights, in drive-thrus, or during routine patrols. This practice helps them identify stolen vehicles, check for outstanding warrants, or verify if the vehicle is associated with any criminal activity.

The technology to run these checks is generally available in their patrol cars, allowing for quick access to vehicle registration and related data. While this practice is not super common, it's also not unheard of. Unlike stopping a vehicle and searching it, there's no minimum standard for running a license plate check.

If officers are sitting behind a vehicle for long enough, get bored, or are feeling particularly keen to write tickets, they may decide to run a plate check. They can do this anytime, but typically don't unless something catches their attention or seems out of place.

Common Signs That May Trigger a Plate Check

There are several signs that might prompt an officer to run a license plate check. One of the most noticeable is if the tag on a clean car is dirty, or vice versa, indicating a switched or stolen tag. Another sign is if the tag is beat up or dented from hooking up trailers, but the vehicle on which it is mounted has no hitch.

One of the best "catches" I experienced involved a guy from Florida who was driving a stolen car. He had burglarized a post office in Florida and, when he learned that the Feds were looking for him, he stole a car from where he worked at a garage and took off. He passed through Tennessee and switched tags with a vehicle of the same make, model, and year. When I saw him in an off-the-beaten-path area at around 1 A.M., these clean Tennessee tags on his dirty vehicle caught my attention. The computer check came back positive due to the same make, model, and year, but my attention to him was too much and he started fleeing.

The Process of Running a License Plate Check

Police officers have quick access to vehicle registration and related data through the technology installed in their patrol cars. When they run a check, the system will provide information such as:

Vehicle registration status Owner's information Past violations or accidents Outstanding warrants Possible report of stolen or other illegal activity associated with the vehicle

This information helps officers make informed decisions about the vehicle and its owner. If any concerns arise, the officer can take action, such as detaining the vehicle or the driver.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

While license plate checks are common and often necessary, they come with legal and ethical considerations. It's important for officers to follow guidelines and maintain a balance between public safety and individual privacy. Overuse or misuse of this technology can lead to public distrust and undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement.

It's also important to note that in some jurisdictions, there are specific regulations governing when and how license plate checks can be performed. Officers are expected to have a reasonable suspicion to run a check, and they should document their observations and the reasons for their actions.

Conclusion

License plate checks are a powerful tool for law enforcement but should be used judiciously. Officers should be trained to recognize signs of potentially problematic vehicles and follow established protocols to ensure the proper use of this technology. By doing so, they can maintain public trust and effectively contribute to community safety.