Why do people blur out license plate numbers?

[Murf926]

As the title says, I'm wondering why people blur out or cover license plate numbers when posting pictures of vehicles. What's the big secret? I mean, it's right there on the front and back of every vehicle on the road. Every time you drive your vehicle in public, there is potential for hundreds, if not thousands, of people to see it and record it. It's illegal for states to make personal information tied to license plate numbers public, so people can't use it to obtain any information about you, so what gives?

 

[DavidBT]

As the title says, I'm wondering why people blur out or cover license plate numbers when posting pictures of vehicles. What's the big secret? I mean, it's right there on the front and back of every vehicle on the road. Every time you drive your vehicle in public, there is potential for hundreds, if not thousands, of people to see it and record it. It's illegal for states to make personal information tied to license plate numbers public, so people can't use it to obtain any information about you, so what gives?

Well, in Arizona we only have them on the back. Maybe they're on the run!?

 

[B1Toad]

Well there are 3rd party companies that will give you the info for a fee. A car collector once told me he doesn't allow anyone to take cell phone pics of his collection at his house because if they end up on the internet a potential thief could learn the location in the metadata or from the plate number.

 

[Murf926]

Well there are 3rd party companies that will give you the info for a fee. A car collector once told me he doesn't allow anyone to take cell phone pics of his collection at his house because if they end up on the internet a potential thief could learn the location in the metadata or from the plate number.

From what I've read, federal law protects this information. No state can make any of the personal information tied to license plates public. It can't be searched, so how can a 3rd party gain such information?

I get the photo metadata info concern though.

 

[WV Native]

From what I've read, federal law protects this information. No state can make any of the personal information tied to license plates public. It can't be searched, so how can a 3rd party gain such information?

I get the photo metadata info concern though.

Collision reports, automotive repair facilities, insurance companies, and alike all sell your data.

 

[Murf926]

Collision reports, automotive repair facilities, insurance companies, and alike all sell your data.

Oh wow. I would have thought that was illegal. But even if so, what can be gained by this that can't be gained by anyone else that sees your vehicle parked in a public place or on the road?

And if I understand laws correctly, it's not illegal for someone to photograph your vehicle and license plate and then post it on the web.

I guess I'm still not grasping the need for secrecy.

 

[WV Native]

Oh wow. I would have thought that was illegal. But even if so, what can be gained by this that can't be gained by anyone else that sees your vehicle parked in a public place or on the road?

And if I understand laws correctly, it's not illegal for someone to photograph your vehicle and license plate and then post it on the web.

I guess I'm still not grasping the need for secrecy.

I personally don’t think it matters either but I cannot stress enough that information from your registration can be found. You just gotta know where/how to find it.

Heck, even Carfax reports are pretty darn accurate regarding the car owners information.

 

[Murf926]

I personally don’t think it matters either but I cannot stress enough that information from your registration can be found. You just gotta know where/how to find it.

Heck, even Carfax reports are pretty darn accurate regarding the car owners information.

That's good to know. Thanks!

 

[Murf926]

On a side note, I was just messing around on the free Photoshop express app I have on my phone, seeing if I could find a cool way of hiding my license plate number. There's a tool that uses AI to remove whatever you highlight in the image and replace it with what it thinks should be there.

Here are a couple cool examples of some photos I recently posted in another thread, but with that tool applied to the license plate. Interesting what it chose to change it to. I especially like the lower picture.

I might start doing this on future Jeep photos I post. Not so much for privacy, but because I think they are cool.

 

[B1Toad]

Ah ha! Now everyone knows you live in Colorado!

 

[WV Native]

I have family in Castle Rock - beautiful place.

 

[Rubiconned]

I wanted to get a personalized plate for my jeep but it was already taken:

SLOMOFO

 

[inkedrose]

Saw this post few days ago and been thinking about it. wondered similar thing. Only thing I can think is if you posted on market place or CL someone could see all the nice parts on your vehicle and figure out easier where to steal them from

 

[Granite]

Here are more WTJF musings on this topic!

Thread 'Why do folks black out their license plate when posting pictures?'

Jun 8, 2024

You drive around all day with front and rear (or maybe just rear) plate visible, along with your registration info. Why block it out when posting here?

Do you trust other TJ owners less than you do the average low life Joe looking to steal your radio or something?

Gotta ask.. Why?

• MikekiM
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Off-Topic

• 

 

[Murf926]

Saw this post few days ago and been thinking about it. wondered similar thing. Only thing I can think is if you posted on market place or CL someone could see all the nice parts on your vehicle and figure out easier where to steal them from

I didn't think of that, but it does make sense...dirty rotten thieving bastards!

 

[Murf926]

Here are more WTJF musings on this topic!

Thread 'Why do folks black out their license plate when posting pictures?'

Jun 8, 2024

You drive around all day with front and rear (or maybe just rear) plate visible, along with your registration info. Why block it out when posting here?

Do you trust other TJ owners less than you do the average low life Joe looking to steal your radio or something?

Gotta ask.. Why?

• MikekiM
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Off-Topic

• 

Thanks for posting this. I guess I should have done a forum search before starting this thread.

 

[Rubiconned]

This jeeper on YouTube didn't blur out his plate number. It turns out to be a phone number to a used car lot.

 

[DavidBT]

This jeeper on YouTube didn't blur out his plate number. It turns out to be a phone number to a used car lot.

View attachment 573329

I believe it was also used in a skit on the Hee Haa show.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I believe it was also used in a skit on the Hee Haa show.

I think that may have been his reference… Wasn’t that Hee Haw skit a used car lot?

 

[DavidBT]

I think that may have been his reference… Wasn’t that Hee Haw skit a used car lot?

Yes it was. I can't remember the characters name on the show, Jr something I think it was. Was a great comedy show when I was young.