Hi, I notice that most people blank out the number plates when posting pictures of their cars. What is the reason? Is there any harm if one does not? I don't believe that one can obtain and the name and address of the owner from the number plate, unless they are the Police. Right? I want to post some pictures of my car and it is really cumbersome to blank out the number plate on each one, but at the same time I don't want to be vulnerable. Would sincerely appreciate any advice and information. Thanks.
You can obtain the details from the DVLA for a small charge, but you need a good and legitimate reason. This doesn't mean that people won't lie to the DVLA, though..... Personally I wouldn't bother blanking out my number plates, as I think the risk of the above is probably quite small.
You do not want to some criminal-minded person to clone your number plate as if they get caught speeding on camera etc, it will be you getting the blame.
It is a strange paranoia all over Europe. The main concern is that of privacy. Which I find kind of odd..but I'll go with it. I try to block out all license plates for my European books or website stories I publish - unless it is a press car. The privacy is this..people don't want to have their car seen in pictures (odd considering people walk by and see the car in person). People don't want pictures of themselves parking illegally, driving about town when your boss thinks your home in bed sick, at a strip club, ditching school, and who knows whatever else. The whole mentality kinda fits in with the whole notion of not putting a "750iL" badge on the back of their BMW 7 Series. But then again, this is an observation on a yank..so correct me if I am wrong...
Thanks for the very useful information. @8-Ball - I didn't know that the DVLA would give that information out. @RS man - True but the theif would then also have to have the same car. @Challenge64 - I think I agree with you. Anyway I think the risk is minimal. If some bad guy wants to get dirty he will anyway. So I will post pics with my number plates for all to see!
It is an interesting point whether or not to blank out registration plates on photos. For me this issue is data protection. While it's true that anyone can see my registration while it's parked in the street. What they cannot see however is my name next to the picture of the registration. A registration on it's own is data a registration matched to my name becomes information.
Probably no harm at all, but as 8-Ball has already said the DVLA will provide the information for a small fee. The more information you are able to to give the DVLA they are probably more willing to provide more important information like addresses. For the sake of a couple of minutes to blank out the plates in MS paint I would rather minimize the risk. I'm not saying you should or you shouldn't it's a personal choice.
Actually, my neighbours had the license plates stolen off their Renault Scenic a few years ago. Someone unscrewed them right off the car while it was on the driveway in order to clone it. All the best, Andrew.
That is common now because you have to provide proof that you own the car in order to have new plates made.
I conceal plates on cars I own for the same reasons that I keep my financial details in a safe, my property addresses off the internet and draw the curtains at night - simple privacy. I also don't like the idea of people being able to associate me with a property, car, area, etc. It has nothing to do with having something to hide but a lot to do with being burgled, having to deal with all the hassle that entails and also being the sort of person who doesn't tend to disclose much about themself outside of a small circle of friends. If concealing number plates is so irrelevant/trivial, then isn't it strange that anyone would be interested in the motive(s)?
