Its actually more insidious than that.
You gave them the car.
It is what registration means.
You gave them the car, and they gave you the sole right to use it.
Of course, they have failed on their end of the deal, but that doesn't stop them from making it the way everyone thinks its done.
You can go to a car dealership and buy aloidial title. Which means, you own the car. If you don't specifically ask for this, then they will give the car to the govern-cement and stick you with the payments.
So, I've heard rumors of that "title" v "certificate of title" stuff... but never actually seen it.
Do you hold "allodial title" to a car? If you do, do they leave you alone?
No, the police officers stole my car before I learned of this.
And no, most police officers do not know the real rules, but I have heard of people filing suit against them for stealing their car, and getting their car back post haste.
The way to do it seems to get plates made by a group that sells to allodial car owners. I also need to look into it.
If you learn more, especially practical details, I'd love to know about this.
Please notify me if you ever write an article about this? I'd love to read it. ;)