Covered up license plate numbers?

[Rich Lambert]

I've noticed license plate numbers edited out of numerous pictures. Why?

[SpeedracerIndy]

I notice this too! I asked it in another thread but got no responses. What is the danger with someone seeing your license plate? Thousands of people see it every day when you are driving on the road. It's not like a SS# that can be stolen along with your identity. I have never blocked it out, but maybe I should be????

[Rot 911]

Some people just feel safer blocking out their license plate when posting pictures.

[rsr808]

Yep... it's a privacy thing. Especially since you have no idea where your picture (and license) will pop up on the Web. Apparently, as soon as you post a picture here (or anywhere) people save them and reuse them for reference or to add to their collection.

[tsuter]

The camera flash does it. It is not intentional or photo shop work.

[Paul Franssen]

On a French 911 website, almost everyone used to wipe off their license plate numbers, and the same question came up. I think one of the replies was that with the license plate number, anyone with bad intentions could (?) trace the address sticking to it, and then rush off with the car. And, of course, there's always the inherent fear of those self-professing to have done 157 mph in a no-fly zone would somehow be putting themselves at jeopardy, be it par rapport of ze lou, ze insureurs or blackmaileurs...

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I was just interviewed, with my car in the background, at Watkins Glen, and the TV crew put gaffer tape over my license plate. I asked them why and they said it was so nobody could get a cop friend (or whoever) to look up my address, etc. I asked why this couldn't happen to me if I was just driving down the highway, and they didn't really have a good answer other than that somebody might take offense at something I said on camera, or think my daughter (who was also driving and was interviewed) was cute, etc. I guess it's just become standard procedure in such situations and nobody is entirely sure why.

Stephan

[Rich Lambert]

I've seen a flash wash out a plate before. The ones I'm talking about are intentionally obliterated. Paul's explanation concerning dumb ass comments and insurance companies makes sense...thanks.

[old_skul]

It's because people are afraid of internet hackers, loss of privacy, and identity theft.

It's just not logical. But people do illogical things for many reasons. Personally, I could care less if you see my license plate in a picture on the evil intarweb rather than in person. There are far easier ways to do harm to me.

[Joe Bob]

Originally posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson
I was just interviewed, with my car in the background, at Watkins Glen, and the TV crew put gaffer tape over my license plate. I asked them why and they said it was so nobody could get a cop friend (or whoever) to look up my address, etc. I asked why this couldn't happen to me if I was just driving down the highway, and they didn't really have a good answer other than that somebody might take offense at something I said on camera, or think my daughter (who was also driving and was interviewed) was cute, etc. I guess it's just become standard procedure in such situations and nobody is entirely sure why.

Stephan

Actually LE personell have been fired for stuff like that. Most searches are now recorded and the name and ID of the requester is archived.

If the car disapears or if the person whose DMV record is accessed has a mishap, the first people they talk to are the previous requesters......

If the information is NOT generally accesible and can be only accessed by certain individuals...they should have their a$$ses fried for leaking that information.

As a licensed Investigator, I know of a LOT of ways of tracking someone down....the license number is one of the least reliable.

[Schrup]

I don't mind if my plate ends up on the net. I actually think they're kind of cool. The dealer I bought my car from had a friend at the DMV that got me 911 RHT plates for no extra charge. I have posted pics of other peoples cars & out of respect I smudge out their plates.

[trj911]

Read it and peep! I don't care who sees mine.

[89911]

Opps, I guess it's too late for me. Besides, I'd half to change my user name