Why do people block out license plates?

[Bigtoe32067]

Don’t they know that everyone can see it whenever the drive down the road?

If I wanted to steal their license plate number (which I have no idea why anyone would) I’d do it all day long when they’re out and about.
Tony

[plexiform]

^I've always wondered this myself. Seems like one of those things paranoid people do.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Bigtoe32067

Don’t they know that everyone can see it whenever the drive down the road?...

Or take a pic of the VIN as they walk by the car when parked.

[matt930s]

This is so annoying, finger plate block:

[Matt Monson]

Why men great till they know they gotta be great?

[walt]

I don't get it either. It's not like someone outside law enforcement can call the DMV and get owner info on a plate number.

[NYNick]

Pretty common at the track. Theory was people didn't want their cars photographed on the track in case their insurance company was checking up on them. Pretty paranoid behavior.

In ads, it makes no sense.

[McLovin]

I don't do that, but I think the theory is it can prevent theft.
I can see that thinking, at least when it comes to a semi unique car.
Say, an '88 911. True, anyone on the street can see your plate. But what are the odds that a thief looking to fill an order for a G50 Carrera is going to run across you?
But he could comb ads, and find a car.
Now, can he track down your address from the plate number?
I don't know. I think in the old days it wasn't too hard, but the privacy laws in most states seem to be a bit tighter these days.
Is it impossible? Probably not.
Anyways, my guess is that's the theory.

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by Bigtoe32067

Don’t they know that everyone can see it whenever the drive down the road?

If I wanted to steal their license plate number (which I have no idea why anyone would) I’d do it all day long when they’re out and about.
Tony

I see it as an IQ test. In reverse.

[juanbenae]

I never do. im not scared, I have a dog, live in the mountains, have a 7 shot, 12 gauge defender and sleep lightly....

[Bigtoe32067]

I agree with techweenie

[911heaven]

Even better, like me none of my 2 cars have plates. Embarrassing, but as safe as it's gonna get. If I need to drive the only drivable one, I rent a plate from the city for a week or less at 7 dollars. Bad part of that is liability insurance to get the plate @ 50 dollars for a month.

Nice jeep Toby!

[Cobalt]

Many years ago someone I knew on rennlist posted pics of his cars with plates and someone targeted him used his plates to find their address and stole his cars. When they caught the thief apparently his spouse was a DMV employee who easily accessed the address. Apparently he had several cars he stole this way in his possession.

Some people don't like their plates posted so when I post pics of others cars I usually try to obscure them out of courtesy. No doubt if someone wanted your car bad enough they can find a way with or without the plates posted. With social media today if you attend a C&C or any event most likely a pic of your plate will get posted.

[MrBonus]

I cover mine in painter's tape while driving too. You can't be too careful out there.

[Vaive]

It's easy to find the identity of someone based on their license plate.

[pingpong]

Originally Posted by MrBonus

I cover mine in painter's tape while driving too. You can't be too careful out there.

better yet keep the whole car covered up in the garage like most do.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by Vaive

It's easy to find the identity of someone based on their license plate.

True - there used to be a guy that posted here (hasn't even logged on for over a year, however), that took offence to some joke I made, so to get back at me, found my full identity via a license plate pic of mine, and posted it without my consent.

[specialtyoneinc]

https://jalopnik.com/why-do-we-always-blur-license-plates-on-the-internet-1691298199

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/05/let-your-fingers-do-the-blocking-craigslists-paranoid-plate-appendages/

https://craigslistplates.tumblr.com

[juanbenae]

all of my vehicle registrations go to my PO box so im safer than id fist considered after reading further here,

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by Vaive

It's easy to find the identity of someone based on their license plate.

Prove it.

This person cut me off in traffic yesterday. I'd like to know who it is: CA plate KELLY9