Why do car sellers obscure the reg plate?!

Hi,

I've been looking at second cars online recently and have been frustrated by the number of ads where the car reg has been obscured or hidden. Why are sellers doing this? Is it a bad sign that there is something to hide, surely not for long as you can ask for the reg over the phone or you'll see the reg once you view the car?

Thanks in advance.

Ciaran Mc Cashin (Drogheda)

Nov 2012 Filed under: registration

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Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

There may be something sinister to it — trying to stop people running background checks on the car, for instance, but in most cases it’s simply down to people being slightly cagey about putting reg numbers up online, or in some cases it’s just down to dealers wanting to have branded numberplate on the cars they’re advertising. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe