Legal Question in Insurance Law in Missouri

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this situation. I was driving in the state of Missouri when a cop noticed that my front license plate was expired, which was true except that I had purchased a temporary license plate that was placed in the lower left hand corner of the back window (as I was instructed to do). He let's me pass him on a two lane road, which I was hesitant to do at first considering he was driving on the wrong side of the road. Shortly after, he pulls me over, I comply. He asks me to show my license and registration, and I am unfortunately unable to show proof of insurance because I left my insurance on the counter because I was going through the process of getting the car in my name, thus the temporary license plate. He asks me to step out of the car, I did, then he tells me that my license plates are expired. I proceed to show him my temporary license plate in the back window. He then asks if I he can search my car for drugs or weapons, I had nothing to hide so I agree to let him. He doesn't, but he does ask me to spread my arms. I comply with his orders and he pats me down, and searches my right cargo pocket for a good two minutes. Finally he reaches into my pocket only to discover a small pebble of gum that had went through the washing machine. He tells me to get back into the car and wait, then comes back to give me my ticket for no proof of insurance.

I feel like he had no legit reason to pull me over in the first place considering he ignored my temporary license plate. Is this true? And what can I do about this in court?

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