How can I track a car with number plate in the UK ?
Nowadays, in an era where data protection is paramount, the task of tracking car owners in the UK has become a complex web of regulations and technologies. The importance placed on data protection means many of us can rest easy regarding the handling of our personal information and while advancements like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and CCTV do enhance our safety, they also raise concerns about privacy and misuse of information.
Police National Database
Access to the owner details of a registration mark is now limited to the DVLA and law enforcement, who can access information through the Police National Database. Parking companies also had easy access to this information, but recent changes in policy have made this more difficult in an aim to prevent crime by restricting such access. Some companies masquerading as legitimate companies, exploited this data for issuing invented fines. Consequently, even certain local authorities have faced limitations on accessing this data due to misuse.
Public Access to Information
While the registration mark of a vehicle provides access to several details such as its tax or SORN status, MOT expiration date, first registration date, year of manufacture, and CO2 emissions, the identity of the individual owner is protected under the Data Protection Act if the vehicle is privately owned rather than belonging to a company.
In certain circumstances, members of the public are able to find out the identity and address of someone through their number plate, by applying to the DVLA (and pay a small fee) with a valid reason for requiring this information, for example having been in an accident with another party who refused to provide or provided incorrect details.
Private Number Plate Companies
Companies that specialise in private number plates are often asked to trace the owner of a registration mark. This inquiry may arise due to parking incidents, personal admiration for a vehicle's appearance, or more commonly, the desire to purchase a specific plate.
Some companies offer to source a registration mark for a finder’s fee, (Here at Moonstone Plates this is a FREE service we offer) but unless the owner of the desired plate is already listed with the company wanting to sell then there is no lawful way for such companies to locate them as this then falls under the GDPR Laws.
GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) places strict limitations on using a registration mark as a means to identify an individual is limited under the GDPR laws and many people (including police officers) have been convicted for such misuse.
Even with seemingly harmless intentions, such as wanting to buy the registration, it may also be used to harass an individual, hence the strict laws surrounding the process.
ANPR Technology (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology empowers law enforcement to monitor vehicle movements nationwide. With a network of over 8500 cameras recording up to 35 million registrations daily, it stands as one of the largest non-military databases in the UK. This system plays a crucial role in identifying behavioural patterns, linking vehicles to criminal activities, and establishing connections between drivers, passengers, and vehicles while the image captured on camera may even identify the driver. Additionally, certain police vehicles are equipped with this technology, ensuring officers receive real-time updates and enabling prompt responses based on the gathered data.
There are also plans to use ANPR technology to monitor those who drive with noisy exhausts or play their music too loud.
Plate Cloning
The downside to this new technology has brought about an unfortunate rise of number plate cloning. All reputable manufacturers require proof of registration ownership before producing number plates (V5/logbook), some less scrupulous ones, particularly those online, do not impose such requirements. Criminals exploit this loophole by affixing duplicate plates to vehicles of matching make and model, making them harder to trace. Consequently, any fines incurred may wrongly implicate innocent individuals, although the same technology often exonerates them.
To evade detection via registration plates, some individuals resort to extreme measures. These include applying reflective sprays to plates to prevent camera capture, installing James Bond-esque plates that flip to alter registrations, or using covers that descend with a push of a key fob to conceal the plate. However, aside from facing hefty fines, employing such tactics can be deemed as "perverting the course of justice" and result in imprisonment.
If you're worried about your number plate being used to identify or track you, rest assured that only the DVLA or law enforcement should possess such capabilities, and only under justified circumstances.
Privacy Assurance
Concerns about being tracked through number plates are alleviated by stringent regulations. The DVLA and law enforcement are the sole entities authorised to access this information, ensuring that privacy remains intact, with legal consequences for those attempting to subvert the system.
Personalised Plates and Identity Protection
For those seeking a personalised plate without compromising privacy, private plate companies can offer close alternatives legally. As long as the plate doesn't bear your name, your identity remains safeguarded.
Can someone find your address from your license plate uk?
Tracing car owners in the UK involves a delicate balance between safety, privacy, and legal frameworks. While technological advancements enhance security, stringent regulations ensure that only authorised entities can access sensitive information, protecting citizens from misuse and safeguarding their right to privacy.
When it comes to finding the owner of a plate for purchase, private plate companies are legally unable to perform this task. However, they frequently have the capability to find a similar alternative registration. So, if you're searching for the ideal plate, there's still a chance you'll find it. Plus, unless you're acquiring a plate with your own name on it, you can be confident that your identity will remain confidential.
Contact Moonstone Plates
If you are struggling, have any questions or would like to buy/sell a number plate, get in touch with our team today and we can help you. Either click here to contact us, give us a call on 01995 213112 or drop us a message on one of our social media pages and we would be more than happy to advise and assist you.
