I was just curious. Why do people black out their license plate when they post a picture of their car? What can be done with this information and why is it a concern when everyone can see what the number is in real life? I assume you can look up the info somewhere to see where they live and who they are. Is that info available to just anyone?

 

I always thought it was for the reasons stated...plus the fact that I wouldnt want someone reporting my license plate for something I didnt do (or at least dont remember doing )

 

Not sure I understand this either. There are plenty of threads where NAM members "reveal" their license plates.
For example:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=2896 (15 pages of "classified" information!!)

 

I'd be willing to bet there's not a really good reason.

 

You can see mine if you click in my sig!

I assume it's just that it takes 5 seconds to obscure it, and people see other people do it, so they figure there must be a good reason. I know I've done it, and that's pretty much my reason.

Massachusetts 84G Y18. Bring it on! Do your worst! Frame me!

 

Alot of it started with Subaru and Mitsubishi where some customers believe that the Manufacturers were voiding warranties for cars that were posted online in Auto-X Events. It also is for some privacy in certain cases as well. People don't want online users "stalking them"

 

This is/was a legitimate concern more in England than here. Car thieves were doing their "shopping" on line. They find one that fits what they want, use records to trace the plate, and go pick it up. I've read a few threads on MINI2 about this happening.

 

How do they look up records? That info isn't available to the public is it? Either way, I suppose its better to be safe then sorry.

 

I like to live dangerously...my license plate is Arkansas plate RESMINI. Should I worry now?

 

I've always figured that folks taking pix of other MINIs obscured the identifying license plates out of courtesy. Without their expressed consent, I wouldn't want to post someone else's plate, but that's just me. :smile:


Clover

 

I just reported you for littering! JUST KIDDING!

I never understood the fuzz-out either. If folks are that worried about people finding out where they live, they should get a P.O. Box... like me.

 

With that I would absolutely agree! A photo of our own vehicle with license plate visible seems fine to me (our risk...presumably extremely small).

...but permission should (must) be obtained if we wish to post identifiable photos of another person or his/her vehicle.

 

I just received some "cover plates" that I can put on at shows and meets. They say VENTIDUE (name of the MINI). They are Italian plates (since that is where I am for another year).

 

A plate on the street is usually nothing more than that...a plate and a car. However, people on these forums can and do post certain personal information and even pictures of themselves or of their vehicle on their property. To an "evil doer" (sexual predator; stalker; burgler; theif; mental deviate), thats a lot of valuable information...and those dudes LOVE the internet. It may seem innocent to post certain little bits of info, but a lot little bits can start making a picture that was not intended.

 

I think it's just a privacy thing or they've seen it on tv and think it's cool or whatever. Don't matter to me I'm neither a preditor nor deviant...I hope

 

Of course, there's always the... "second amendment" :smile:

 

I like those "Protected by Smith & Wesson" stickers but they wouldn't look at home on a MINI!

 

You're right Rick..."protected by H&K" or "Glock" is more appropriate

 

BINGO

 

Yeah...like you don't get that by watching some one coming home

These type of people have much more direct and effective means and methods like mail theft.

 

It depends on the state. Here in FL you can lookup almost any information you want via the state webpages, including full driver history.

Again, this has NOTHING to do with posting your plate on a forum. I'm looking out my window and can see a dozen plates. Guess what - they never posted on a forum, but I can get their info.

 

Paranoia...

Don't try telling some people that though... they're fanatics about their "privacy". Of course, they finish their argument and go drive around town for thousands to see, hand their credit card to any punk working a cashregister and regularly send their street address out on checks all across the country.

And while we're on conspiracy theory's... maybe I'm the guy on ebay selling cheap mini accessories all so I can document your locations...

 

I am .

 

I think it's $3 at the DMV and you can get whatever you want related to a license number.

It is public information.

 

1997 Drivers Privacy Protection Act...Federal law. Check it out.

As a matter of fact, any state MVD/MVA caught in violation is subject to penalty. Any individual who gives information in violation of the DPPA is subject to State (as applicable) and/or Federal charges AND civil liability.