I've written this before in posts... but again... anything to do with license plates moved from being a traffic infringement to becoming a criminal charge earlier this year, so playing with license plates is as a consequence a much more serious matter/offense. More of a reason to go legal. 100%. Get a drivers license, get a legal plate that can be checked by police anytime, and have compulsory insurance up to date... that way one minimises liability.
Another thing, there are police hand held data terminals that are being used with increasing frequency, where the officer inputs the information and gets instantaneous vehicle information on the fly. I know as I have watch it in action first hand. Data displays everything related to the plate/vehicle/owner.
Add to that the use of number plate recognition cameras, used in many locations; highways, all along the expressways, and even now mounted to police vehicle roofs. Big brother is watching...