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Is it Illegal to have "Dealer Plates" on personal cars?

I live in Tennessee and I know some people that have dealer tags or plates on their personal vehicles. These cars have never been for sale and will not be for sale. The owner of the vehicles does own a car lot. That's how he gets the tags. Since these cars are not for sale and are strictly for personal use is this illegal?

Public Comments

1. no, morally it is wrong
2. I would check the local laws and see what they say. different states and municipalities have different laws. generally, it is not illegal because the dealership pays the registration and insurance fees. if the local law enforcement agency stops you, i certainly wouldn't say that its your personal vehicle.
3. If the vehicles are not owned by the dealership, or the dealer is not purchasing the vehicles, then they cannot be driving around with dealer plates on the vehicle. If they are pulled over by the police the plates will be seized and the vehicle impounded.