Two drivers, two fake tags, and two very different endings. On Monday afternoon, Portsmouth Police cracked down on bogus vehicle registrations — but only one driver ended up behind bars.First Stop: A Tow, a Taxi, and a Roast Beef Sandwich
At 4 p.m., officers pulled over a vehicle at 12th and Lincoln Streets and discovered the car was sporting fictitious plates. Instead of jail, the driver got a tow… and a lift to Arby’s.
Police impounded the vehicle and arranged for the driver and passenger to be picked up by Portsmouth Taxi after treating them to a ride-along to the fast food joint.
Second Stop: No Free Ride for This Guy
Just an hour later, officers stopped another vehicle near O’Reilly Auto Parts on Gallia Street and uncovered a double whammy — not only was the driver rolling with a fake registration, but his license was also suspended.
And unlike the Arby’s duo, this guy had an open warrant.
Result? He didn’t get a roast beef sandwich — he got a trip straight to the Scioto County Jail.
So Why the Difference?
While both drivers had fictitious plates, the second driver crossed the line further by driving under suspension and having an active warrant. That gave police legal grounds to arrest and detain him, rather than just cite and release like in the earlier stop.
A Reminder for Drivers
Fake tags may seem like a shortcut — but they’re a fast track to fines, impounds, and possibly jail. If your registration isn’t legit or your license is suspended, you’re just one traffic stop away from losing your ride… or your freedom.
Have thoughts on this? Should both have gone to jail? Should we be doing more to prevent fake registrations? Let us know.
