Some interesting comparisons.
NSW Australia (unless changed in the last 15 years)
Insurance is linked to the vehicle and insurance and tax go with the vehicle when sold.
Compulsory insurance (CTP) only covers 3rd party injury (not property)
To renew the registration you must provide insurance certificate and, if due, inspection certificate (MOT equivalent)
A vehicle that does not have registration renewed and, most likely, no CTP insurance if stopped by police has the plates removed and the vehicle is towed away.
Police cars (throughout most of Australia) are fitted with ANPR technology and other than monitoring unregistered vehicles flags other vehicles of "interest".
There is no such thing as SORN but a vehicle that has not had its registration renewed may have the registration reinstated up to 3 months after the due date. After that it would require a new registration. It must not be used whilst unregistered.
Plates are issued by the authority and all have formed letters and numbers. Cloning would be difficult.

Italy
Insurance, tax, and inspections are all separate.
Police constantly stop vehicles to control documents. When an inspection (MOT equivalent) has been done a sticker is placed on the cars documents, an insurance certificate must be carried but insurance stickers are no longer displayed, a tax receipt no longer has to be carried.
Insurance is linked to the owner (not the driver) and the vehicle. It does not pass to the new owner.

The tax is a property tax, not a road tax, so is payable even if the vehicle is off the road. This does not apply to classic and vintage vehicles over 20 years old which pay a tax of €30 a year only if used but must comply with certain regulations if less than 30 years old. Tax stays with the vehicle and effectively passes to the new owner. Rules vary from region to region as to whether or not the new or previous owner is liable to pay the tax if the vehicle is sold in the month when the tax is due.

In theory ANPR cameras are fairly widespread and control tax and insurance, I'm not sure about control as to whether or not a vehicle has had a roadworthy inspection. A law has recently been introduced which allows local councils to install ANPR cameras from which they receive a percentage of any revenue generated. Surveillance/ANPR cameras are being installed at the entrance and exit to most town areas. This is an upgrade to the many existing cameras which were installed as anti-crime measures. In fact to perpetrators of many serious crimes, particularly hit-and-run incidents, have been resolved due to these cameras.

SORN does not exist but there is nothing to stop you from suspending your insurance, or, as many motorcyclists do, having insurance for only 6 months of the year.

Plates are issued by the authority and all have formed letters and numbers. Cloning would be difficult but it would not surprise me if it happens.

In the end we are all being watched.

Peter

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