When addressing vehicle compliance, what must be checked alongside the registration?

When addressing vehicle compliance, it's essential to check the tag/registration status alongside the registration. This is crucial because the registration status indicates whether the vehicle is properly registered with the state, has valid tags, and is not expired or suspended. Ensuring that the tag is current and reflects the accurate state of the vehicle’s registration helps law enforcement verify that the vehicle is compliant with state regulations and can prevent issues related to unregistered or improperly registered vehicles.

In this context, while other options like vehicle color, license plate number, and year of manufacture may provide additional information about the vehicle, they do not directly verify compliance with registration laws. The focus on tag/registration status is fundamental to upholding legal standards and ensuring public safety on the roads.