[Scrutineer]

Plenty of people post photos of their cars with the license plate visible. Lots of others, though, mask off the plates before they post.

Honest question: Why block the digits? Is it simply a generalized concern for “privacy,” or is there a more specific reason? Obviously they’re visible to anyone passing by when parked in public, or when driving on a public road. So why go the effort to block them here?

Not looking to judge or provoke anyone; just curious.

[Mikesbimmer]

I don’t. I’ve got nothing to hide.. license plates are seen everywhere.

[jmg]

My face is visible to anyone passing by too, but I don't feel comfortable posting photos of my face on accounts accesible to the general public. I like being semi-anonymous.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by Scrutineer

Plenty of people post photos of their cars with the license plate visible. Lots of others, though, mask off the plates before they post.

Honest question: Why block the digits? Is it simply a generalized concern for “privacy,” or is there a more specific reason? Obviously they’re visible to anyone passing by when parked in public, or when driving on a public road. So why go the effort to block them here?

Not looking to judge or provoke anyone; just curious.

Personal call. Do whats best for you/how you feel.

[T.R.S.]

You display your license plate number to the world every time you take your vehicle out of your garage. Don't be a dick on the road or online and you'll probably have nothing to worry about. I do understand though that some just can't help themselves from being such.

[Xspeedracer]

The only info you can get from a plate is to check for smog status, reg, look up parts by plate, look up repair info if you have access but otherwise no personal info can be found about an owner

[DrewNewM2]

Paranoia and old habits. That’s why I do it.

[mrdudley]

I only hide because my current vanity plate uses a nickname I use across other social platforms.

But ordered a new vanity plate that I can flex online.

[spurcap]

The primary outcome of posting pics of your car online (especially if you use the same online username across many sites) is that it allows virtually any law enforcement agency to link your online persona with your real identity.

Could they do that anyway without your license plate? Probably.

Do many/most have nothing to hide/don't care? Perhaps.

Also, some are concerned that a year later they will get into some heated (political?) debate with someone online and the other person could be a LEO or know an LEO and pull their plate... know their true identity, address, etc.

I don't personally care but that's my best guess.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by Scrutineer

Plenty of people post photos of their cars with the license plate visible. Lots of others, though, mask off the plates before they post.

Honest question: Why block the digits? Is it simply a generalized concern for “privacy,” or is there a more specific reason? Obviously they’re visible to anyone passing by when parked in public, or when driving on a public road. So why go the effort to block them here?

Not looking to judge or provoke anyone; just curious.

I avoid posting pics with any of my vehicle's license plate visible. Just a matter of trying to keep as much of my personal info off the web as I can.

('course, with all the security breaches various businesses I've dealt with over the years: Target, Wells Fargo, a car dealer, the company that handles the billing for the health care providers I use, to name a few; have had all my personal info is on the dark web now anyhow.)

One can use a license plate look up web site and this provides the details about the car. Other info is available at a small cost.

Here's one such site:

https://infotracer.com

Sure if someone sees the car on the road and writes down the license plate for later searching nothing I can do about that.

[beren]

I mask because its not too difficult and do I really want China and Russia knowing my plate ID? I guess they probably know anyway, but it makes me fell better.

[IanH]

I once challenged someone on reddit on the license plate thing. This fucker had doxxed my entire personal information within 5 minutes. Luckily the moderators deleted it quickly.

Don't post your license plate, if you use Google photos for your pictures (and I'm sure other tools) you have access to a grey pen tool and it's easy to remove the plate.

[ourlee]

I don’t care about my plate but on the other hand will never post my wife’s plate, so I’m not sure which side I fall on

[Tag]

Aside from privacy concerns already discussed, many don't show their plates because they may post videos of them speeding which could land them in trouble. Many also tune their cars, posting your plates can let the dealership identify your car and deny warranty repair or flat out void your warranty.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by Tag

Aside from privacy concerns already discussed, many don't show their plates because they may post videos of them speeding which could land them in trouble. Many also tune their cars, posting your plates can let the dealership identify your car and deny warranty repair or flat out void your warranty.

Dealers/BMW can tell your modded rather easily in general - plate# or not. Visually or electronically. Pay to play if you mod anyway! Your risk....

[IanH]

My dealer can't tell I'm modded because they've never seen my car and my hope is to never visit.

[mrdudley]

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

I avoid posting pics with any of my vehicle's license plate visible. Just a matter of trying to keep as much of my personal info off the web as I can.

('course, with all the security breaches various businesses I've dealt with over the years: Target, Wells Fargo, a car dealer, the company that handles the billing for the health care providers I use, to name a few; have had all my personal info is on the dark web now anyhow.)

One can use a license plate look up web site and this provides the details about the car. Other info is available at a small cost.

Here's one such site:

https://infotracer.com

Sure if someone sees the car on the road and writes down the license plate for later searching nothing I can do about that.

Half tempted to pay the $3 to see what all can easily be found. You have convinced me to not share my plate lol.

[Tag]

Originally Posted by IanH

My dealer can't tell I'm modded because they've never seen my car and my hope is to never visit.

Do you have a bench unlock and flash or piggyback? I know with piggyback tunes they can't easily tell; they'd have to suspect somthing was up and then spend a lot of time digging into logs which they would only do if it was something expensive to repair. Either way, I've seen forum members get outed by the dealer because they posted something on the forum that they were able to track back to them.

[IanH]

Originally Posted by Tag

Do you have a bench unlock and flash or piggyback? I know with piggyback tunes they can't easily tell; they'd have to suspect somthing was up and then spend a lot of time digging into logs which they would only do if it was something expensive to repair. Either way, I've seen forum members get outed by the dealer because they posted something on the forum that they were able to track back to them.

I dont have any powertrain modifications (yet), but I have heard horror stories about my local dealer and BMW dealers in general. Come in with any issue, they bitch about the mods and tell you to go back to stock in order for them to warranty the issue.

I've decided with this car, short of any major issues or recalls, I will just handle all maintenance myself or with an independent shop. I dont have the time to take it to the dealer and have them tell me to come back again with my mods off.

[two_three_two]

its one less piece of PII on the internet. it takes ninety seconds tops. identity theft, doxxing, sophisticated criminal rings- all typically use a mosaic of information to figure out who you are, where you are, what you have, where it is, etc and ironically a lot of that is willingly posted by people online. you can also quickly and easily strip out the location metadata on photos which should also be done. its not a lambo, and i don't live in a mansion made our of gold bricks, but its still worth protecting.

anyone trying to guilt you into otherwise through silly arguments like "maybe you are just a BAD PERSON and have something to hide!!!" reveal themselves as someone who fundamentally doesn't "get it" (or just lazy).

[SmokeyandtheBandit]

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by IanH

I once challenged someone on reddit on the license plate thing. This fucker had doxxed my entire personal information within 5 minutes. Luckily the moderators deleted it quickly.

Don't post your license plate, if you use Google photos for your pictures (and I'm sure other tools) you have access to a grey pen tool and it's easy to remove the plate.

Welp...this may have convinced some to change sides...