Have you ever noticed that some people blur their license plates when they post photos of cars? Sometimes on TV shoes, license plates will be blurred out too. Does this mean that you should be covering yours? 

Why do people blur their license plates? 

Drivers blur their license plates in photos to protect their personal information. Some drivers think this practice isn’t necessary because the information is visually available. 

However, blurring your license plate may protect you from stalkers and thieves. It can provide data security and prevent identity theft. 

High-end trucks and SUVs might be targeted by thieves when posted online. Police officers use your license plate for your personal information, address, contact information, insurance details, and criminal history. You don’t want this information to land in the wrong hands.

People can use paid and free sites to search for license plate numbers and learn about the vehicle’s driver. This information can also be accessed at the DMV. 

Some states, like California, require you to fill out a form to access data related to license plate numbers. It’s typically used before hiring commercial drivers, but criminals can use it too. 

But if people can walk by your car and write your plate number down, then what’s the point of blurring it online? Anyone can already see it. 

Police officers shared that posting it online greatly increases the amount of people who can see it. It also allows criminals to gather your information privately. 

If you take a photo of a cool car out in the wild without the owner’s consent, be respectful and blur their plate. 

Cars at auto shows, on film sets, or other locations where photographs are common, then it’s the owner’s responsibility to obscure their license plates. 

Also, it depends on your moral compass when photographing a license plate with a funny phrase. Drivers with funny license plates draw unnecessary attention to themselves. It’s hard to resist sharing them with your friends.