Chevrolet Repair: Licence Plate Light, side marker, test light

Question
Hey Robert, maybe I'm insane BUT does a 1996 Cavalier have a license plate light.  I got pulled over and ticketed for it not being on.  I checked the bulbs but I mistaking thought the two lights on both sides of the plate were for the license but they did not work even with new bulbs.  I figured the wire was cut somewhere in the system so I tied into the side marker.  Well I just got another ticket for having my back up lights always on!  I CANNOT find any other lights?sockets anywhere near the license plate top, sides or bottom, do they even have one?

Than for any help

Doug

Answer
All cars have a rear license plate lamp. I would remove the lamp, usually just 2 screws and check the circuit. With a 12v test light connected to both terminals in parallel the test light should light up with the headlights on. It may just need a bulb.

The closest other lamp on the same circuit is the tail lights.