During an exterior inspection, what should be noted about license plates?

When conducting an exterior inspection, it’s crucial to ensure that license plates are properly mounted and visible. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, a license plate that is not securely fastened may be at risk of falling off, which can lead to legal issues or fines for the vehicle owner. Additionally, visibility is key for law enforcement and other road users to identify the vehicle, especially in case of emergencies or violations.

The other aspects concerning license plates, such as them being informative or checked for date validation, while valuable, do not play as direct a role in the physical state and operational readiness of the vehicle during an exterior inspection. The need for plates to be present to confirm registration is also true, but the primary focus during the inspection is ensuring that they are in good condition, properly displayed, and visible to avoid any enforcement issues on the road.