I got pulled for not having brake lights a few months ago. Somehow, the fuse had worked loose. Minor issue. Anyway, I had neglected to place my latest insurance card with my registration, etc.
Cop wrote me a ticket, had to go down and show current proof of insurance or pay a stiff fine. I took more proof than required, having been with Geico for the last nine years. Dismissed. They ask if you had insurance prior to the ticket date. They don't require you to prove it. That little loophole needs to be addressed.
Thing is, the fine isn't stopping folks from driving without insurance. They do as others have mentioned. Pay the fine (or not, as indicated above), get a short-term policy, get registered, and then let the insurance lapse.
I have no problem with cops pulling folks over if a license plate is flagged in this manner.