Which component of a vehicle can result in a registration violation if expired?

The correct choice is related to the vehicle's official registration status. Vehicle registration serves as an essential legal requirement that allows a vehicle to be operated on public roads. This process typically involves obtaining a registration certificate and license plates from the appropriate government authority and paying necessary fees. If the registration has expired, it becomes invalid, leading to potential fines, penalties, or legal repercussions for operating the vehicle. Enforcement agencies actively check for valid registration during roadside inspections.

While components like brakes, lights, or tires are critical for vehicle safety and compliance with regulations, their condition typically does not directly result in a registration violation. Instead, these components could lead to safety violations or citations regarding operation safety, but they do not affect the legal status of a vehicle's registration. Hence, the registration status itself is paramount, making it the primary concern in this question.