Someone can use your license plate number to get information about you and your vehicle such as the vehicle’s manufacturing information such as the vehicle’s model, year of production, and make. They can also access the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other information.
It is illegal for a civilian to run someone’s license plate number for personal reasons. Only law enforcement officials and the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) are legally allowed to trace a license plate. While there are companies that offer license plate searches, it is important to be careful and read the fine print.
With your license number, a person can determine the car model, its year of manufacture, and the make. A person can also use third-party apps to acquire additional information. These tools let the individual know your car’s accident history, repossession history, natural damage, and other similar information.
How to Protect Number Plates from License Plate Lookup?
There are several ways to protect your privacy from license plate lookup. You can use a photo blocker spray to cover your license plate from being detected by cameras on the road. However, using a photo blocker spray of any kind is illegal in any state that uses road cameras to check violations or tolls.
Another way is to use a reflective tape that can make a number plate invisible to a camera. You only need reflective tape applied to the license plate. A reflective tape works mainly for roadside photo-radar with cameras using high-intensity flash to tag your plate and, perhaps, speed.
You may also visit the local office in person or complete an information request online on the local DMV website. However, unless you have a legitimate reason under the law, the United States Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts DMVs from releasing the personal information of vehicle owners.
What is the difference between a Photo Blocker Spray and Reflective Tape?
A photo blocker spray is a clear spray that its maker claims will make the plate so reflective, a red light camera will be blinded by its own flash. It is the best-selling license plate spray based on a patented formula.
The spray makes your plate shiny so that when a photo is taken with flash, it becomes illegible. You need to apply four coats and allow the license plate to dry for at least an hour between coats.
Reflective tape, on the other hand, works mainly for roadside photo-radar with cameras using high-intensity flash to tag your plate and, perhaps, speed. You only need reflective tape applied to the license plate.
What is the Penalty for using a Photo Blocker Spray or Reflective Tape?
Using a photo blocker spray or Reflective Tape of any kind is illegal in any state that uses road cameras to check violations or tolls. Anyone caught using the product is liable to a 10,000 fine and 6,000 in fees.
Can I use a License Plate Cover to protect my privacy?
It is illegal to cover just the license plate when it’s parked, which you may very well want to do to protect your privacy from automated license plate readers (ALPRs). However, you may want to use clear plate covers to protect the condition of your license plates and avoid fines for obscuring your plate number.
Yes, you can use a license plate cover to protect your privacy. However, it is important to note that the license plate cover should not obstruct the view of the license plate number or any other information on the plate.
What is the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act?
The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a federal law that restricts the disclosure of personal information collected by state Departments of Motor Vehicles. The law aims to protect the privacy and safety of driver’s license holders from unauthorized access and misuse of their data.
The law allows some exceptions for certain entities, such as courts, police, and employers with the consent of the potential employee.
Can someone find out where I live with my license plate number?
It is illegal to run a license plate check on someone else in India, regardless of the circumstances. However, there are plenty of others who can find out who people are and where they live through their vehicle registration number.
How to report someone who misuses my license plate number?
If someone is misusing your license plate number, you can report it to the police. The person accusing you of wrongdoing must give evidence to support their claims.
The case judge must be convinced that you’re guilty of the violations. To rephrase it, when someone reports your license plate, the police start an investigation.
