DENVER — If you drive just about anywhere in Colorado, you have probably noticed a lot of expired license plates, but now officials are dealing with a new problem: fake temporary tags.
In 2023, more than 1,000 citations were given out for fictitious plates in Colorado. There were 73 along Interstate 70, 223 along Interstate 25, and 243 in the greater Denver area. This is on top of what officials are already seeing on the interstates.
“For the most part with the temporary ones, I have seen a few people try to deny that they knew. A lot of times when it’s the hard plate, drivers will say the tag came from another car," said Trooper Gabriel Moltrer with Colorado State Patrol.
Officers say these temporary fake paper plates are being purchased from individuals online through websites, ads, social media or even in the comfort of their own home.
Craig Police Department and Mesa County Sheriff's Office have posted warnings on social media on how to avoid becoming a victim of this scam.
“If someone is a victim, make sure you do follow up with an officer," Moltrer said. "One of the things you can do is go down to the DMV, or wherever you would normally get those registrations, and they’ll be able to assist you in any ways."
Legal Colorado temporary plates have a genuine hologram with the State of Colorado seal, among several other security features. There are two ways you can obtain a real license plate, directly from a dealership or from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Valid temporary license plates can't be purchased online or printed.
"With a vehicle registration, you have to have your vehicles registered and people are looking for a way around that. It could detriment you through different lawsuits, potentially if you are involved in a crash," Moltrer said.
If you're caught with a fake license plate you will be given a citation, face a class 2 traffic misdemeanor and a conviction may result in a fine, plus court cost, surcharges and a possible jail sentence of 10 to 90 days. According to Denver police, the court will ultimately determine the amount of the fine, but it can be up to $999.
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