Well Brian, as I said I've used only expired docs for the past several dozen borders plus all traffic stops, and no one's complained yet. In fact, I've been using non-current or inauthentic docs (i.e., photocopies) for three years and 70,000 miles now, and the only official who's ever noticed was a Ukrainian border guard, who glanced just once at my registration or title (don't remember which), sniffed disdainfully, and demanded the real thing. Which I then provided. No problem. We all know I'm not breaking the law by offering an out of date registration form....and if need be, I can always apologize for my mistake and offer the original.

Note that I don't tell people "I don't have the originals." I just hand over the ones I've got ready to hand over...which don't happen to be for real. In the case of my passport, I offer a laminated, two-sided photocopy which is obviously not the real thing. Usually they're fine with this; sometimes I've got to smile and tell them that of course I know they're fine with it, such good folks as themselves. But the people who ask for passports are not generally traffic cops looking for bribes. IMHO. At actual border crossings (which were not really the issue here) of course I use my genuine passport....along with my expired bike documents.

I think you give these cops more credit than they actually deserve. Many can't really read Spanish very well, much less English. Most don't know or care what all the entries on your documents mean. They're trying to pick off the low-hanging fruit, and I'm trying not to fulfill their dreams of sudden riches. They know it, and I know it. It's ok. I'd rather deal with most of them than with your average LA cop or Texas Ranger---and that's the voice of experience speaking.

Standard disclaimer: your mileage may vary. In fact, my mileage may vary. If my next post is from a Uruguayan prison, please send the Marines.

Mark