Ontario cop said my friend could’ve been jailed because plate wasn’t registered
My friend got pulled over today in Oakville, Ontario. The officer said the car’s plate wasn’t registered. For context, they had a temporary plate before and then switched back to the normal plate, so I’m guessing something didn’t update properly in the system.
My friend tried to explain, but the officer didn’t really let them talk and just said they could’ve been jailed and/or had the vehicle impounded. The officer ended up giving them a ticket ($140).
There was no criminal issue as far as I know, just the plate/registration problem. Is jail actually a realistic consequence for this under Ontario law, or is that exaggerated? Also, can police impound a vehicle for this kind of plate issue?
Any advice from people familiar with Ontario traffic tickets would help.