Why do people blur license plates in pictures posted online?

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 06:09 AM

Why do people blur out there plates when they post photos or list there car for sale? Yes I know not everyone does but some do.

(Driver privacy protection act)

cmyx6go · 08-09-2017, 07:23 AM

I imagine to keep someone from running your plate and getting personal info. Whether that be to stalk you, steal from you, gather more info for identity theft. A bunch of privacy concerns.

seedyrom · 08-09-2017, 08:03 AM

In my younger days, there were lots of photos of me doing burnouts.
Every pic would have the plates blanked out, so online people who hate me couldn’t report me to the cops.

Red Bread · 08-09-2017, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seedyrom

In my younger days, there were lots of photos of me doing burnouts.
Every pic would have the plates blanked out, so online people who hate me couldn’t report me to the cops.

So yesterday?

Chihuahua · 08-09-2017, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLKSAPPE92

Why do people blur out there plates when they post photos or list there car for sale? Yes I know not everyone does but some do.

(Driver privacy protection act)

Because of the line of work I am in, if I have your license plate I can immediately have your name, VIN, and home address, in addition to other things. I don't do this obviously because it is incredibly unscrupulous, but it is possible.

styler69 · 08-09-2017, 10:46 AM

but we drive everywhere with our license plates in full view.

cmyx6go · 08-09-2017, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by styler69

but we drive everywhere with our license plates in full view.

Yes, but that is a fleeting moment. Think about people lurking on car sites looking for a target -

Hey, look at that BMW, in front of that house with the 3 car garage. He has a Porsche and a Benz too. Bet he has some good stuff stashed.

SakhirM4 · 08-09-2017, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

Yes, but that is a fleeting moment. Think about people lurking on car sites looking for a target -

Hey, look at that BMW, in front of that house with the 3 car garage. He has a Porsche and a Benz too. Bet he has some good stuff stashed.

When you park at work or the grocery store or anywhere in public, it is not a fleeting moment.

cmyx6go · 08-09-2017, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

When you park at work or the grocery store or anywhere in public, it is not a fleeting moment.

No it's not. And evil people will find a way but why make it easy.

I'm just answering the OPs question. You can't help driving with your plates in full view. Would I post a picture of my car with plate exposed in front of my house, no.

Ickdeep · 08-09-2017, 11:44 AM

Like others has stated, its merely to protect our identify. We just have it imbedded to keep our information close to us. For example, we make sure to hid our PIN when entering it in the store but even if someone saw it, they still need the card (or a copy of it).

When it comes to online stalkers or whatever, if they have to do work for it they often pass. They rather just move on to another car with exposed plates instead of having to research.

cliverman · 08-09-2017, 11:47 AM

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2721

David70 · 08-09-2017, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

No it's not. And evil people will find a way but why make it easy.

I'm just answering the OPs question. You can't help driving with your plates in full view. Would I post a picture of my car with plate exposed in front of my house, no.

X2. So easy to hide the plate that I can't see any reason not to do it. Would anyone here post their home address? Unlikely to make any difference but I wouldn't. Your license plate is one step away from your home address for many.

Shazz · 08-09-2017, 01:34 PM

I thought it's to prevent number plate cloning. Well, that's the case in the UK anyway. So you minimise the chance of someone driving around breaking the law with your number plate.

David70 · 08-09-2017, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shazz

I thought it's to prevent number plate cloning. Well, that's the case in the UK anyway. So you minimise the chance of someone driving around breaking the law with your number plate.

How does this work? You see a license plate number and then make your own plate with the same number? You couldn't pick a number at random? I don't see any incentive in my state as the yearly cost is about $50 and getting caught would be far worse.

saeyedoc · 08-09-2017, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David70

How does this work? You see a license plate number and then make your own plate with the same number? You couldn't pick a number at random? I don't see any incentive in my state as the yearly cost is about $50 and getting caught would be far worse.

Yes, but what if you don't really own the car?

Shazz · 08-09-2017, 03:49 PM

Yup exactly... Police are unlikely to pull over a plate that matches the car make, model and colour. And yet it doesn't need to be insured and you will never get any fines.

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLKSAPPE92

Why do people blur out there plates when they post photos or list there car for sale? Yes I know not everyone does but some do.

(Driver privacy protection act)

Because of the line of work I am in, if I have your license plate I can immediately have your name, VIN, and home address, in addition to other things. I don't do this obviously because it is incredibly unscrupulous, but it is possible.

The driver privacy protection act has blocked out information so only police, attorneys, insurance, and DMV can use information or release information relating to there work or an investigation.

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

Quote:

Originally Posted by styler69

but we drive everywhere with our license plates in full view.

Yes, but that is a fleeting moment. Think about people lurking on car sites looking for a target -

Hey, look at that BMW, in front of that house with the 3 car garage. He has a Porsche and a Benz too. Bet he has some good stuff stashed.

Not to push people paranoia over the edge but

They can live in Riviera Beach and drive to Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and lurk and watch people doing there business in business parking lots at least then they can see what kinds person they will be going after and what to expect.

Highland park Detroit they can drive to Novi, Birmingham, bloomingfield hills Farmington hills and do the same.

Ensley/Fairfield AL can head on over to 280, vestavia Hoover trussville

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seedyrom

In my younger days, there were lots of photos of me doing burnouts.
Every pic would have the plates blanked out, so online people who hate me couldn’t report me to the cops.

Yea I can see if your doing things you shouldn't be doing racing and all that but posting a car for sale or just taking pics of your car.

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by styler69

but we drive everywhere with our license plates in full view.

Yep that's why I don't understand.

It also would be parked at post office, grocery, Home Depot, mall all places not only can your plate be cased but you can also people can get an idea of there victim. Heck with all the paranoia I'd think vanity plates would be super no no just so easy to remember.

Just saying

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shazz

I thought it's to prevent number plate cloning. Well, that's the case in the UK anyway. So you minimise the chance of someone driving around breaking the law with your number plate.

I don't think the cars will match seems easier to just steal or swap plates off car sitting outside

BLKSAPPE92 · 08-09-2017, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

Quote:

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

When you park at work or the grocery store or anywhere in public, it is not a fleeting moment.

No it's not. And evil people will find a way but why make it easy.

I'm just answering the OPs question. You can't help driving with your plates in full view. Would I post a picture of my car with plate exposed in front of my house, no.

I get it and I've done it but I also see that plates can be picked up from anywhere. If I was a criminal I think coming to my neighborhood and looking in shopping centers would be easier.

It also sucks that we have people online that work for police, lawyers, DMV, or insurance that would abuse there job and run plates for the hell of it.

08-09-2017, 06:09 AM	#1
BLKSAPPE92 First Lieutenant 302 Rep 393 Posts Drives: 22 G80 Sao Paulo Yellow Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Hoover, AL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [0.00] 2022 BMW M3 [0.00] 2022 BMW M3 [0.00] 2022 BMW M3 [0.00]	Why do people blur license plates in pictures posted online? Why do people blur out there plates when they post photos or list there car for sale? Yes I know not everyone does but some do. (Driver privacy protection act)
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08-09-2017, 07:23 AM	#2
cmyx6go Colonel 16967 Rep 2,092 Posts Drives: 2022 X6///M Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: NYC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 X6 ///M [10.00]	I imagine to keep someone from running your plate and getting personal info. Whether that be to stalk you, steal from you, gather more info for identity theft. A bunch of privacy concerns.
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08-09-2017, 08:03 AM	#3
seedyrom Private First Class 146 Rep 148 Posts Drives: M240i, X3 20i, 2002, 2002tii Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	In my younger days, there were lots of photos of me doing burnouts. Every pic would have the plates blanked out, so online people who hate me couldn’t report me to the cops.
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08-09-2017, 10:46 AM	#6
styler69 Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 196 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Little Rock iTrader: (1)	but we drive everywhere with our license plates in full view.
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08-09-2017, 11:44 AM	#10
Ickdeep Brigadier General 5738 Rep 4,209 Posts Drives: '13 F10 M5 \| '15 F15 X5 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 [10.00] 2013 BMW M5 [SOLD] [10.00] 2013 BMW 535i [SOLD] [10.00]	Like others has stated, its merely to protect our identify. We just have it imbedded to keep our information close to us. For example, we make sure to hid our PIN when entering it in the store but even if someone saw it, they still need the card (or a copy of it). When it comes to online stalkers or whatever, if they have to do work for it they often pass. They rather just move on to another car with exposed plates instead of having to research. __________________ Stage 2 Tune BPM \| Fabworx DP \| SSP Performance Clutch \| Muffler & Resonator Delete Dinan Adjustable Springs \| Powder Coated 343 Wheels \| F&R Spacers \| RW Carbon Front Lip & Diffuser Sold!
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08-09-2017, 11:47 AM	#11
cliverman Captain 963 Rep 940 Posts Drives: 2022 X3M Join Date: May 2005 Location: Durham,NC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	Interesting read..... https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2721 __________________ 2022 X3M 2017 Cayman (Ret) 2019 X3 M40i (Ret.) 2015 F82 ///M4 (Ret.) 2011 E92 ///M3 (Ret.)
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08-09-2017, 01:34 PM	#13
Shazz Private 34 Rep 92 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: SW London iTrader: (0)	I thought it's to prevent number plate cloning. Well, that's the case in the UK anyway. So you minimise the chance of someone driving around breaking the law with your number plate.
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08-09-2017, 03:49 PM	#16
Shazz Private 34 Rep 92 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: SW London iTrader: (0)	Yup exactly... Police are unlikely to pull over a plate that matches the car make, model and colour. And yet it doesn't need to be insured and you will never get any fines.
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