Shari - Most states require a valid registration to insure a vehicle. In my state, you can't get the tag unless you have already passed DEQ. In fact, passing DEQ is part and parcel of the process of getting your tag, they send it all together in the mail.
Also, if you get stopped for any reason, you have to have current proof of insurance with you, or they will tow your car. So, tags are stolen sometimes, because people can't get older cars through DEQ, and you won't see the tag number from the street. Plates are stolen to put on other stolen cars.
I like the idea of slicing through the tag so that they can't be taken.
