Can a vehicle be legally operated while waiting for replacement plates?

The correct answer highlights that a vehicle can be legally operated while waiting for replacement plates if it displays a temporary operating permit. This temporary permit serves as legal documentation that allows the driver to use the vehicle during the period when permanent plates are being processed or replaced.

Temporary operating permits are typically issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and are designed for situations exactly like this—providing a legal means for operation until the replacement plates arrive. This ensures that both the driver and the vehicle are compliant with state laws regarding vehicle registration and operation.

Other options cannot be considered valid for various reasons. For instance, while current registration is important, it alone does not provide the necessary legal permission to drive the vehicle without plates. Simply possessing valid registration does not absolve the driver from the requirements related to displaying license plates. The claim that operating without proper plates is against the law affirms the importance of having one’s vehicle properly registered and displayed with valid plates or a permit. Lastly, stating that the vehicle can be operated as long as it is not involved in an accident lacks legal grounding, as it does not address the necessary legal requirements for operation, which must always be adhered to regardless of an accident's occurrence.