I've noticed most people tend to black out their license plates when posting pictures of their cars. I've currently got a car up for sale...and I'll admit that I did the same thing.

Why do we do it?

We drive around all day where other drivers are free to jot down our numbers if they're so inclined. I can't figure it out? Maybe it's something really obvious that I'm missing.

I suppose it's possible somebody could find out your address based off of it? Then they could come and steal it? But hey, if you're selling a car...that could work out. That's what insurance is for right?

 

makes some people feel safe

 

Easier to track down cars online to maybe steal plates identities for ringers, it seems wiser to hide behind the internet, I am the same always hide my plates unless it is a personalised plate

 

Partly, I think it goes along with the whole "desire for anonymity" on the internet.

Also, since people often give specific details about their cars and its upgrades, etc, on here, it's more likely that someone would know about something on their car and decide to steal it.

 

Very convenient especially for those who work at an insurance company. Enter in your plate # and he can pretty much have all your info.

 

When I posted my car... I did the whole "obscure the LP" thing...but I didn't like the way putting a black bar looked, so I just added some extra pixels to make it look normal, but unreadable.

 

I do the same thing as you ITYS2K

 

In some area specific forums your pic will get deleted if you don't block your plate for that reason. I wouldn't be surprised if some thieves lurk their local forums looking for people to rip off.

 

Your screen name on a forum is not always immediately and obviously linked to your real identity. Your LP is, however. Generally not gonna be an issue, but most folks prefer safe to sorry.

 

"cuz it be cool yo. Just like blackin' out the headlights and wearing sunglasses at night."