An illustration of a police officer walking down a city street.
(Supplied by Gigafact.)

Yes.

Drivers who display fictitious tags could have their vehicles seized for the infraction, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles has warned. 

The DMV said in June that fake temporary plates are being sold by “unverified online sellers” to drivers looking to evade registration fees. 

Displaying false tags is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $300 fine and 90 days in jail. Offenders could also have to pay restitution or complete community service. Whether vehicles are seized is up to the discretion of individual law enforcement agencies.

 In 2024, authorities in Colorado seized just over $6 million worth of goods and property. The biggest chunks of these funds went to capital, vehicles and equipment and operating costs for local and state authorities. Any asset forfeiture that results in profit for local, state or federal agencies must be reported to the state’s Department of Local Affairs.

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Type of Story: Fact-Check

Checks a specific statement or set of statements asserted as fact.

Cassis Tingley is a Denver-based freelance journalist. She’s spent the last three years covering topics ranging from political organizing and death doulas in the Denver community to academic freedom and administrative accountability at the University of Denver, where she earned her bachelor’s in journalism and international studies in 2024. Her...