The Ballarat Magistrates' Court was told on Tuesday that Jai David had not renewed his licence after it was suspended in 2007.

In May 2015, a woman reported the number plates on her car were stolen from the Williamstown train station - David is not accused of being involved in the theft.

However, later that month, a car David was driving was spotted multiple times with the stolen plates attached.

The police summary detailed seven times when his car was spotted by cameras on the West Gate Freeway and Western Ring Road, including occasions when he was speeding.

The highest alleged speed was 121kmh.

There were also four occasions where David's car, with the number plates attached, was recorded driving on Citylink.

He did not pay the tolls.

He was intercepted by police in Altona in 2015 driving the car, which was unregistered, and admitted to using the number plates in an interview.

He said he'd found the plates in a rubbish bin, and denied knowing he was unlicensed.

His defence lawyer, James McKenzie, said his client had spent years overseas, studying in the United States on a sports scholarship.

He had then returned to the US in 2015 to pursue a career in the Coast Guard in Florida.

"He's returned to the country 18 months ago and his past is now catching up with him," he said.

"He wants to move on."

He added David had an opportunity to train to become a firefighter, depending on his licence conditions - his sentencing dispositions was for a fine.

Magistrate Gregory Robinson agreed with Mr McKenzie's submission, but noted demerit points could lead to further driving restrictions.

"Even if he thought the Tooth Fairy dropped (the plates), he still affixed them to his car," he said.

Mr Robinson also ordered David pay restitution for the plates and the Citylink tolls.

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