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how can i prevent my license plates from being stolen

by Joesph O'Connell Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

You can reduce the risk of having your number plates stolen by taking some simple steps:

  • Secure your number plates to your vehicle with anti-theft one-way screws.
  • Park in a locked garage where possible.
  • Park off the street in your driveway (and remember to lock your vehicle).
  • Where parking on the street is unavoidable, try to park in well lit and populated areas.
  • Check your vehicle regularly to ensure your number plates are secure.

Full Answer

What is the penalty for stealing license plates?

Stealing a license plate or registration sticker is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and $1,000 fine. If your tags or stickers are stolen, the Department of Motor Vehicles says you should file a police report immediately to avoid paying for replacements and to avoid fines. Likewise, why would somebody steal a license plate?

How to replace lost, stolen or destroyed license plates?

Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged licence plate

  • Blue licence plates
  • White embossed ‘Yours to Discover’ licence plate. If you currently have white embossed licence plates, no action is required on your part.
  • Lost plate. If your plate has been lost you must visit a ServiceOntario centre to get a replacement. ...
  • Stolen plate. ...
  • Damaged plate. ...
  • Transfer plates. ...
  • Personalized plates. ...
  • Peeling or bubbling lamination. ...

How do you replace a damaged license plate?

Replacing damaged plates. To replace your damaged plates you must: Visit a motor vehicle agency. Present the current registration and required identification. Pay the $6 fee for standard plates or the $11 fee for special interest or dedicated plates. You will be issued a replacement set. You must surrender your old plates (see above).

What should I do if my number plates are stolen?

What should I do if my number plates are stolen?

  • Report it to the authorities. As soon as you become aware that you have been victim to theft/cloning of your car's number plate, you should inform the police and the ...
  • Purchase a new number plate.
  • Take measures to avoid number plate theft in the future.

How do I lock my license plate?

0:542:11How To Make Your License Plate Theft Resistant - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow we want to insert the bolt and the top then underneath put the washer and the lock nut. And youMoreNow we want to insert the bolt and the top then underneath put the washer and the lock nut. And you do not have to tighten as tight as you can get it you just get it snug.

How do you secure a license plate without screws?

0:576:10Don't drill your bumper to attach that plate. Easy method. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut what we have is two pieces of sticky. Back velcro. We're going to stick these on the licenseMoreBut what we have is two pieces of sticky. Back velcro. We're going to stick these on the license plate and then we'll peel the other side off and put it on the car.

How do you install anti theft number plate screws?

Step 2: Fitting Anti-theft Screws Align the holes in your number plate with the existing holes in your vehicle's bumper. Ensure your number plates are not upside down. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, install the screws as you would with any other. Tighten until firm, but do not over-tighten.

Why people hide their license plates?

Blurring a license plate online is done for two different reasons: either to protect your privacy or to avoid incriminating yourself. It is possible to dig up the owner's info if the number ends up in the wrong hands. It can also be reported to police whether or not you've done something wrong.

What is the best thing to stick number plate?

By far the easiest way to fix a new number plate to your car is with VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Tape. It's quick and easy to apply, and is extremely strong and durable.

Will Velcro hold a license plate?

To answer your question, the Velcro WILL hold up fine BUT you may have a problem if you ever want to get the part attatched to the paintwork back off again. However if you have the clearbra then that wouldn't be a problem as the clearbra would come off instead.

What happens if someone steals your number plate?

If the number plates are stolen from your car you should report it to the police straight away – you might start receiving parking fines, speeding fines or worse. Number plate theft is a big problem and rates have more than doubled in the last five years.

Do anti theft screws work?

The vast majority of so-called tamper proof screws on the market today, provide neither security nor are they actually vandal resistant. Calling them tamper proof is making a false claim and is simply misleading the public and the buyer who need true security.

Why do thieves steal number plates?

The truth is that number plates are stolen for many reasons. One of the most common is that the person in question is trying to cover up for another crime they have committed, so they attach your number plate to their vehicle as a means of being able to drive around without getting caught.

Should I cover my license plate in pictures?

The answer is — for the most part — no! This is actually because of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, from all the way back in 1994. This act essentially makes it illegal for motor vehicle departments to disclose any personal information they've gathered.

Should I blur license plate?

No, there's really no need to hide your license plate number in pictures of your vehicle. A law called the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, or DPPA, prohibits disclosure of any personal information gathered by motor vehicle departments.

Should you cover your number plate in photos?

Whilst it may seem unlikely that someone will take advantage of your number plate to attain information, it is possible, so it's best to cover your back, just in case.

How do you use a license plate fastener?

Drive screws clockwise through the bracket into the bumper. Screw the license plate onto the bracket. After mounting the bracket, line the holes at the corners of the license plate with those at the bracket's corners. Drive screws clockwise through the holes to secure the license plate and complete installation.

How do you screw a number plate?

Number Plate Fitting – How to do it yourselfRemove number plate from car. ... Drill holes into your number plate. ... Secure number plate with screws. ... Clear number plate and mounting surface. ... Fix sticky pads to your number plate. ... Press number plate onto your car.

How do you screw in a license plate?

Align the new tag so that the predrilled holes match the appropriate holes on the bumper of your vehicle. Attach the new tag using the screws you previously removed. Turn the screws in a clockwise manner. Make sure that the tag is secure but do not over tighten the bolts.

How do license plate screws work?

What is this? These screws don't need washers to fit into your license plates as they come with truss heads. They fit your license plates effortlessly because they are self-tapping, and their high-quality stainless steel keeps them against rust and makes them last longer.

What happens when police run your car plates?

When police run the plates, they come up clean until the owner of the plate reports the plate or car as stolen. Thieves usually take front plates believing they are least likely to be noticed, according to police.

Why is it important to know your plate number?

It is also important to know your plate number so theft can be reported immediately.

What do Longmont police say about plates?

Longmont police say that securing your plates and practicing proper safety habits will thwart thieves looking to steal them.

Does Longmont police use license plate readers?

Police now use auto license plate readers that scan for stolen plates and alert officers. Longmont police advise drivers to park in areas with proper lighting, check plates regularly and purchase security screws for your plate.

How to prevent license plate theft?

How to Prevent Licence Plate Theft. Prevent licence plate theft by using special screws that require a special security wrench to remove. They're inexpensive and take only minutes to install.

Can you change license plate with a security wrench?

Licence plate security screws like these are cheap, easy to install and available in a style to fit your vehicle. The kits come with a security wrench; keep it in a safe place so you can change plates when they expire. Check out more of the best car anti-theft devices on the market. Originally Published: September 02, 2020.

Can thieves get to your license plate?

There are frames for sale that will lock up your license plate and attach it more securely to the vehicle. Thieves are not able to get to the license plate, and once they see you have a lockable frame, they won’t even try.

Can you put security caps on a car?

You can choose to install security caps right over the standard screws. These conceal the screws and secure it to the vehicle. These are another deterrent because thieves can not remove them without a special tool. The caps come with the spanner tool needed to remove them, and they also come in several finishes so you can match them to your vehicle.

How to deter someone from stealing your license plate?

You can deter someone from stealing the registration sticker on your license plate by cross cutting it with a razor blade. If they try to pull it off, it will only come off in pieces. This trick will still work even if you've neglected to remove the old sticker.

Can you remove a sticker before you put it on?

It's recommended to remove the old sticker before placing the new one on, you can also use the razor blade to help with the removal of the old one. Of course, the thief could always pull both pieces of the sticker but removing pieces makes it much more difficult.

How to secure a license plate?

You can secure your plate with a machine thread hex bolt with a locking nut behind the plate mount for maximum plate protection. Ask an auto body shop, mechanic or neighbor to help if need be. If you decide to purchase commercial anti-theft license plate screws, make sure to only buy the "loss-prevention, one way" screws instead of the ones that take a "special" tool to unscrew. The special tools are readily available.

What happens if you get stolen plates?

When plates or stickers are stolen, the vehicle owner has to pay for new plates and tags and report the stolen plates to the police. (You can't assume the Department of Motor Vehicles will report the theft for you.) Vehicle owners can protect themselves in two main ways. The first deals with the registration stickers.

Is there a rash of license plate thefts in Portland?

There's been a rash of license plate and registration sticker thefts in Portland recently. Thieves are using them on vehicles that are stolen or out of registration.

Can you run a razor blade under registration stickers?

The first deals with the registration stickers. It is common for owners to get new registration stickers and simply apply them to the old stickers already on the plates. Over the years this builds up layers of stickers. A thief can simply run a razor blade under the stickers and they come off intact. To defend against this, before applying ...

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