Saanich police stopped an Audi A4 with difficult-to-see plates as it proceeded along Quadra Street near McKenzie Avenue on Tuesday.
The officer determined that the 33-year-old was a prohibited driver, the car was not insured and the so-called licence plates were actually laminated pieces of paper.
The car was towed and impounded, while the driver was arrested for driving while prohibited and altering a licence plate.
He was also given a $707 violation ticket for the plastic cover and for having no insurance.