So I'll start by saying that I am an active duty law enforcement officer with 27 years under my belt (7 more to retirement!) and hold the rank of Deputy Chief. I've spent many years on the road in various patrol functions, right through patrol sergeant and shift commander. Also, just about all of the responses I have seen in this thread are from the "left" coast. I am in Vermont and there are not many TC's here on the "right" coast and my response is based in part on the law (Vermont's law), part common sense, and partly my own past practice. I also ran this question by several deputies in my department to see how they would handle it and got pretty much the same response from all of them.
It appears obvious from the varied responses that different states have different requirements. Wash. State issues plates for TC's. Some, including Vermont, do not. Some, it appears, require the plates to be on the truck; no exceptions.
The argument of the TC is cargo seems logical, however what other truck cargo has clearance and/or marker lights, tail light/directional signals, and in most cases, plate illumination lights and two screws that line up with license plate mounting holes as well as an extensive "tie down" system beyond ratchet straps. The law in Vermont, while not specific about tc's, is more silent about what would be required but I nor none of my deputies would be drawn to a TC WITH the plates attached to the TC and clearly visible. Their view (and mine) is the intent of a registration plate is to be visible and common sense would dictate to move the plate if there is a spot for it on a TC. As for me, I move my plate every time and carry an appropriately sized nut driver in the door pocket to do so. It takes about a minute or less to do so.
As for photocopying a plate, that would be a no-no. Under Vermont law that would be a form of "counterfeiting" and a potential "display of plate" violation.
As for out-of-state vehicles - in Vermont (and I imagine most other states) the TC's home state laws would apply. For example, in some states, vehicle inspections are not required. In Vermont they are. An out-of-state vehicle without an inspection sticker WOULD NOT be ticketed in Vermont for no inspection as their home state does not require it.
I don't think there is one solid answer to this question as it is open to much interpretation by law enforcement all over the country...
Good luck and happy TC'ing!
