Exclusive: ICE is about to start tracking license plates across the US

Well... to start with it is against the law. I've seen enough true crime documentaries to know that many times, criminals come to the attention of law enforcement because of small stuff, broken tail light, plate light bulb burned out, parking violation, seat belt violation; automatic computer comparison of plate, vehicle description, and data base for mismatch, triggering a be on the lookout (BOLO) and stop and question.

The first time a Law enforcement officer runs a check and the vehicle make, model, year, and description doesn't match up... you'll be read your rights, and the vehicle will be impounded. If your neighbor helped, they can be your cell mate.

In some states, if such misdemeanors are carried out in furtherance of other criminal activity, even if both crimes are misdemeanors. The offense can be an aggravating factor in sentencing or result in a felony charge.

In most states, the plate number includes some information that gives Law enforcement some clues that the plate is not from the area. A Michigan plate normally associated with the detroit area seen in the Upper Peninsula may get run through the system just because the officer is bored.