Thats what I got a ticket for yesterday in my truck. 
Like a dummy I was riding around with my plate and lights down without realizing it. I left from work and was anxious to be out cruising and just didn’t hit the switch. I was literally 2 blocks from home when he pulled me over. I would of been able to see my house if there weren’t trees in the way. As soon as I saw the lights and looked in my rear view I realize it was down…
Officer: License and registration please.
Me: Here you are, sir.
O: Where is your license plate?
M: [Looks back in surprise] OH! I’m sorry, I forgot to put it up, here you go… [pssssst, pop it up]
O: Do you realize you don’t have any brake lights, sir?
M: Yes I do, sir. They are back there in the lower grey area. Even when the plate is down.
O: [Goes back to look] These are not up to PennDOT spec, son.
M: I would agree with you on the lower lights, which is why I installed the upper lenses. The upper lenses are most certainly approved by PennDOT. That Jeep right there [Wrangler was parked right across the street!] has the same ones.
O: [stunned look on his face] Sit tight, I’ll be right back
M:…
He goes and does his thing in the car. The whole time I am hoping he gets a positive reaction from the YME SIR license plate. While he was in there, I set my printed out copy of the PA Department of Transportation Vehicle Code Provisions that I leave in the truck on my passenger seat. He comes back to the truck with his ticket book in hand… fuck…
O: You need to have that thing up at all times. If we can’t read your license plate that can make you guilty of a crime if you’re spotted in the area of that crime while it happens. You would be liable since you don’t have a plate and that’s suspicious.
M: What?!
O: If someone committed a crime and we were investigating, we could hold you liable since you don’t have a license plate and that would be considered suspicious. You also don’t have license plate lights.
M: Well that doesn’t seem right to me. Wouldn’t you need at least a description? And yes, I do have license plate lights that are clearly visable from 50 feet. They’re in the head of the bolts.
O: Ok, I’ve overlooked a bunch of other things but I have to write you up for not displaying your registration properly while driving. Just sign here, it’s not acknowledging guilt, only that you received a copy of your citation.
M: What other things, sir?!
O: [blank face again]… Don’t worry about it, here is your citation
M: [signed the ticket and handed it back] I really would like to know what ‘other things’ you are referring to, sir.
O: Have a nice day. Drive safe, and leave that thing up!!
He ignored my question!!! Or I stumped him, not sure which. But he obviously wasn’t too familiar with the details of the vehicle code or something. He knew I was not just some punk kid who didn’t know shit. I made him aware that I knew the regulations. Whether or not I abided by them is a different story. He was cool the whole time, never acted like a hard ass or anything. It was totally my fault so I am not angry. I should of had that shit up and I would have no reason to of been pulled over. I was hoping he made a comment on the plate. That was my whole intention of getting it! Funny thing is, I got a re-imbursement from the same magistrate last week for a speeding ticket I fought and won some money back from. $54 check still sitting at home. I was thinking I should pay my collateral to fight this ticket with that check! haha, but I don’t think they would find that irony as funny as me. Also, i was telling my sister this and she said she knows the officer really well. She was a volunteer fire fighter with him and she said he’s a cool guy. Maybe he’ll be less likely to show up if I have my sister bake him some cookies or donuts or something.
Well thats my rant from yesterday. I hope someone finds it entertaining. Moral of the story: If you have a hide-a-way license plate - don’t hide it in front of a cop!
