Which is a common irregularity in stolen vehicle license plates?

The presence of new plates on an old car can indicate a common irregularity associated with stolen vehicle license plates. This situation raises suspicion because vehicle registration plates are typically issued for a specific vehicle and are expected to match the car's year, make, and model. When a car that appears to be older is sporting brand new plates, it raises questions about the vehicle's legitimacy and whether the plates have been changed to conceal the car’s true identity or history.

New plates suggest that either the original plates were stolen and replaced, or there may be an attempt to disguise a vehicle's ownership status. This scenario can be a method used by thieves to evade detection, and law enforcement is trained to notice such discrepancies during traffic stops or investigations.

While other options like expired vehicle registration, plates with different registration numbers, and painted license plates may indicate issues as well, the specific combination of an old vehicle with brand new plates stands out as a clear irregularity that law enforcement would flag for further investigation.