workwear is 100% correct...
They do these random checks ALL the time, ever notice how a cop comes up behind you...and then they are gone.
Well if the description didn't match the plate he typed in, or it came back as an invalid plate you will get pulled over instantly.
Driving without plates is WORSE! (I used to use a temp plate on my tercel, temp plate is on the windshield & looks like you have no plates) And I used to get pulled over every time I drove. I always had to say I was on the way to getting it fixed (since thats what temp plates are for).
The only reason I suggested a similar cars plates is because when you call CAA to get a tow they want the plate # and it needs to be valid / match the type of vehicle being towed.