What piece of information must be compared to the license plate before further action is taken after a positive response?

The piece of information that must be compared to the license plate before further action is taken after a positive response is the year of expiration. This is critical because ensuring the license plate is valid requires confirming that it is not expired. This comparison verifies the current legality of the vehicle's registration, helping law enforcement determine if further investigative actions are warranted based on the status of the vehicle identified by the license plate.

Proper checks against the year of expiration can prevent unnecessary enforcement actions against vehicles that are legally registered and currently allowed on the road. If the vehicle is registered, it may significantly inform decisions about whether to proceed with stopping the vehicle or conducting further investigations.