Yup, vanity plates are pretty commonplace. Most cars still have a dealer’s vanity plate on the front because they never removed it, or put something else there.

Front plates are only required in a few states.

flashing tail lights instead of any indicators (we call them blinkers, the orange lights on the corners of cars) was surprising

We don’t require dedicated turning signals in the rear of the vehicle. As long as you have a flashing red or amber indicator at the REAR, and amber at the FRONT, that meets the requirements.

Basically- as long as the car behind you can easily, visually determine that you intend to turn.

All of them weren’t registered

All cars MUST have a displayed license plate at the rear of the vehicle. The only exceptions to this- are temporary dealer plates (which are only good for a month), while you get your permanent plates.

Failure to properly display the license plate is a ticketable offence. Not, serious enough to send you to jail, but, you will pay a fine over it. And- enough tickets, and you lose your license.