What action should an officer take if they encounter a vehicle without license plates?

When an officer encounters a vehicle without license plates, pulling the driver over for questioning is appropriate. This action allows the officer to investigate further why the vehicle lacks proper registration. It is essential for law enforcement to ensure that vehicles on the road are compliant with state laws regarding registration and identification. By stopping the vehicle, the officer can assess the situation directly, ask the driver why the plates are missing, and determine if there are any underlying issues, such as the possibility of the vehicle being stolen or used for illegal purposes.

Addressing the other options helps illustrate why they may not be suitable responses. Ignoring the vehicle would not fulfill the officer's duty to enforce the law and maintain public safety. Noting the vehicle's make and model may be a good practice for record-keeping, but it does not take immediate action to understand the reason behind the lack of plates. Reporting to the DMV might be necessary later, but it does not address the immediate need to ascertain the situation with the driver at the time of encounter. Hence, actively engaging with the driver is the correct approach.