Is it illegal to post someones license plate online?

Tomby1

e.g. on a website as part of a rant (as long as you weren't involved in an accident or legal case involving that vehicle)

Strider590

Reg plate is already in the public domain, so whilst it's not a good idea (car cloning), it's also not something anyone can stop.

What did you do?

Tomby1

Nothing, actually! I just wondered on the legalities of it. I assumed that as long as you didn't make it personally identifiable, or threatening, it would be fine.

(but I am, in no shape or form, well versed in anything to do with the legality of such things!)

forgotmyname

I would imagine it would depend on the context of why you were posting it.

Just need to be sure all the bases are covered, You dont want to post someones reg and make remarks they consider to be false. And daddykins just happens to be a legal expert and sues you for everything you own and every penny you ever dreamt of earning and more.

Tomby1

So, effectively, anything surrounding defamation would be something to stick clear of?

That's pretty much what I thought.

wealdroam

Tomby1 wrote: »

So, effectively, anything surrounding defamation would be something to stick clear of?

That's pretty much what I thought.

Of course you wouldn't have a problem if everything you said was true.
It would be helpful to be able to prove that though.

fivetide

You car on barryboys or something? hah.

As above though, it's public, not much that can be done. That's why generally on cop shows they don't blank out plates of passing cars for example.

5t.

Weird_Nev

Completely legal.
There are various websites which link number plates to reports of bad driving, and others which show numerous photos of cars with their registration marks proudly on display.

interstellaflyer

The now defunct home of pedantic hypocrites ie betterdrivingplease.com used to allow this to expose people who had a brake light out, so i don't think it's illegal, I know that some car forums don't like you posting pics of cars without first blanking out the numberplate but I think that's forum rules rather than a legal requirement.

Strider590

There are videos all over Youtube which show not only reg numbers, but also company names of bad or dangerous drivers, even some instances of the video being used by the Police to make a prosecution against the driver. It's not illegal to post such things, but it would be rather dangerous to lie and make false allegations along with it.

davidlizard

Can depend on the context - for example it could be either harassment or defamation.

A company I was working for sent a email around to all staff about the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, showing a smashed up car in a ditch - the number plate was clearly in view. The driver, who by chance was known to an employee, was forwarded this email, complained and received some compensation - it did not go to court - as by all account she lost control on spilt diesel and was not using the phone.