So why do you blur or block out your license plates when you post an image of your car on the web?

We all drive around with our plates displayed.

 

Never understood that.
On the other you hand their are people with personalised plates who like to show it off. Go figure

 

I always thought that it was something that was done in the US. I post my pictures with the plates, in Canada, you can't find out too much with that info.

 

My guess, is that plates visible on the car, yes, but you have to physically see the car to read the plate. That means it takes proximity and some effort to actually record the plate info. Posting a picture online... now everyone on the planet can have your license plate, and software can easily farm the numbers off of the plate. To what end? I have no idea. But I feel better knowing my plate is not 'out there' for everyone to do something with, whatever that may be.

 

I can have a new license plate in less then 1 hour, and it only cost me $30.

 

This gets asked every cycle it seems...I always wonder why you think it is strange. It is for privacy. I know it sounds crazy but the LESS info you give out the better.

The reason is if you show everything, it just makes theft that much easier. I have your plate, I know what city you are in, I know what mods you have etc etc etc...

Whereas if you are just out in the street you just see my porsche...it is just one of many. let's say I post pics of my newly supercharged C2 cab...with my plate. If you were driving around and saw MY PLATE...you would know my car is S/C and have this or that...but if not, I could be any silver C2 cab.

Same a plate by itself is not so dangerous. But understand this is a global, internet forum, with someone's info from this site, IP address, home area, mods and even name...CUMULATIVELY you have a TON of info. Just seeing my car parked on the street gives you just that.

 

Any time one writes a post it's a traceable footprint . Even those who lurk and never post or register leave remnants of their presence -- although more discreet --yet still there .

Even if the post is wrtten as yours where it gives none of your personal info it still reveals a thought process about you .
Yet when one posts acar or a photo he's "out there " but then again one goes outside in public every day too .

It's hard to distinguish the fine line between paranoia and caution .I guess everyone finds what's in his comfort zone .

 

Because it gives you a reason to use microsoft paint

 

OK, now that is a good reason.

 

Good points. I used to think that blurring out the numbers/letters was a good idea or was "safer" because someone that did not like what you posted on the net could potentially find you.

However, if someone is motivated enough to track you down via pics on the net then he is probably also motivated enough to track you down via your "footprint" on the forum. In fact the second way is probably easier.

Jason

 

I take my plates off for 2 reasons. One is that all you need is a plate number and about 5 dollars at the DMV to find out who owns it and what address it's registered to. If you are like a lot us we use our home or work address. I am quite fond of my car and have a lot of time and money invested in it, and don't want it to get stolen. The other reason is it looks better without it.

 

+1...many exotics that have been stolen have been located by the thiefs in exactly that manner..get the plate, get info from DMV...then they just wait for an opportunity...just common sense not to put your plate out on the internet if you ask me..

 

Of course every other driver you are around will see your plates and can get the same info. So why bother?

 

And the local drivers are more likely to steal your car than someone in another city.

 

And if your plate is a vanity plate, it will be so easy to recall they won't even have to write it down!!