Should I blank out car license plates?

[antiquark]

Occasionally I see that people blank out, or otherwise distort, the license plates of cars in their photographs.

Is there a reason for this? I can't think of any logical reason. Hundreds of people see your plate every day, it's not like it's a secret number.

Any opinions on the matter?

 

[le vrai rdu]

you should also blank out people faces, and houses too

 

[bolohead]

Masking tape works best, but sometimes the owner will get upset if it leaves a residue.

I can't think of a reason why you would blank them out.

 

[Thardy]

Occasionally I see that people blank out, or otherwise distort, the license plates of cars in their photographs.

Is there a reason for this? I can't think of any logical reason. Hundreds of people see your plate every day, it's not like it's a secret number.

Any opinions on the matter?

You see this on TV shows all the time. I guess is to ensure privacy to the person being discussed on a TV program.

As you said, your license plate is seen briefly by many people everyday, but on the other hand a photograph freezes time and some knucklehead will have the opportunity to study it. Maybe one of those rogue cops we keep hearing about can track you down?

 

[easyrider]

Depends on the context

Depends on the context

It depends on the context. If the driver is doing something illegal -- like talking on a cell phone in places where it's not legal while driving -- it is best to cover the plate. We are not the police . . .

Last year I shot a car rally of mid-engined Toyota afficionados. They did not want me to post the licence plates on flickr or any public board because they might have insurance problems.

 

[le vrai rdu]

self censure is on it's way, stay tuned

 

[ZeissFan]

I think we should also start black-barring the eyes of dogs, cats and other domesticated pets (bunnies, birds, snakes and monkeys, although sock monkeys probably are safe -- on the edge, I think).

And we probably should get written permission from barnyard animals and non-native foliage (pollen doesn't count).

 

[swoop]

Psh. No way. What can people honestly do with that information unless they have access to a DMV database. All you'll find is the name of the owner and their address. And if you want to be technical. Anything visible within the confines of public space is perfectly legal to display.

Here's my plate. Go ahead and wreak havoc.

 

[Bingley]

Should you block out license plates? I never do...

 

[acheyj]

you should also blank out people faces, and houses too
__________________
Masking tape works best, but sometimes the owner will get upset if it leaves a residue.

Also hurts.

ron

 

[robbo]

Perhaps, to be on the safe side, we should only publish completely blanked out images. A newspaper full of black rectangles might get an interesting reaction:>)

 

[Sparrow]

Here in the UK we have to cover policemen in craft-paper these days, to be on the safe side

 

[hawkeye]

I like to cut out the license plate numbers and lay them over peoples faces so I know who is who.

"I AM A MAN NOT A NUMBER"
#6

 

[-doomed-]

I do alot of photos with cars , mainly due to the other hobby i am involved. I find that when someone blanks out tags it takes away and draws you eye right to it. Id say unless asked otherwise keep the numbers on the tags.

Hell , if your friends or person who youre shooting for is more adventurous, run without tags. Worst case scenario is that you get a fine for running no tags, you pay the fine and your photos are clean of tags in general. Ive paid this fine here in Jersey a few times for not running a front tag its $45.00 (i'm not drilling holes in a brand new freshly painted bumper)