why do cars in ads have license plates
 

Did a ever notice that all cars in ads have a license plate that's hidden by being painted body color? Why is this, is there some obscure regulation that requires it?

I've wondered the same thing. They always paint them over the same colour as the car. So why have it?!

weird.

kinda like all watch ads showing the watch set at 10:13 or something. ad people are weird.

'Zactly!

I would guess that it covers an area that may be unattractive.

because the car they are selling is a rare/special/only one, which might make someone love it enough to search for it by license number, then come and steal the car.

Probably so we won't have to see the bracket and then people think about what's "missing".

I always figured they painted it body color rather than a state tag so people don't think...."oh, that's a car for ....those people....depending on the state." :)

I think cunning would be a better word then weird, everything in ads is there for a reason that is supposed to trigger some subconcious craving. I read a book years ago called Subliminal Subduction and it was amazing what was in advetizing to make people want to buy their product.
Finn

I think they're talking about ads for new cars.

I remember when I was living in BC I saw a group of Subarus driving around downtown Victoria with body-coloured license plates on them. They must be somewhat legal if they can drive with them unescorted.

Someone here must be an ad-man. What's the story?

Glad to know I'm not the only one that has wondered this. I don't believe it's the bracketry as surely the mfg could remove the bracket. It's got to be some obscure regulation requiring display of the plate, lest all we sheep try and imitate...

What allways kills me is the disclaimer "Professional dirver on a closed course. Do not attempt!" and all the footage is showing is a car driving at a casual pace down a city street.

It is absolutely about the appearance of the car. Front brackets can be removed (or in some states they're not even required). But rear plate mounts are permanent and cannot be removed. Some of them are downright ugly underneath. The plate makes it look more finished. But downplaying the plate color/contrast makes it disappear in a way that doesn't draw your eye. They're hoping you notice the product, not the plate or lack of plate.

There is no law.