Never Toss Old License Plates in the Trash — Here’s Why

Whether your license plate recently expired, you’re selling a car, or perhaps need to cancel your car’s license and registration, these are all instances where you might be wondering how to dispose of license plates. People don’t often throw license plates away, but there are occasions when it might happen, so you want to make sure it’s done properly so you’re kept safe in the process.

Ahead, we spoke with car experts about how to dispose of license plates the right way and what you can do to prevent someone else from using your license plate and perhaps racking up tickets or conducting fraudulent activities with your name attached to them.

Can You Throw License Plates Out in the Trash?

According to Amelia Dalgaard, QBIC at Motorhead Mama, you can generally throw license plates out in the trash, but it is not advised.

“Putting your plates in the trash can expose you to security issues,” Dalgaard tells Family Handyman. “For example, if the plates were to fall into the wrong hands, they could be used either for identity theft or specifically on another vehicle for illegal activities, which could be traced back to you.”

Ben Michael, an attorney at Michael & Associates, adds that a person with a stolen car can use your old license plate they found in the trash, and then their actions can trace back to you, like if they run a red light, and nobody wants to deal with that.

Should I Throw My License Plates in the Trash?

Although you are technically allowed to throw your plates in the trash, as mentioned above, you should not do it because it may lead to stolen plates. “Most states offer recycling options directly at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV),” says Dalgaard. “Given that modern license plates are made of aluminum, a highly recyclable material, this is a great option.”

If you don’t feel comfortable disposing of your license plate, then one idea is to save it for DIY crafts. “There are plenty of fun, crafty projects where you can reuse your plates,” says Dalgaard. “Think garage decorations or driveway ornaments — look at Pinterest, car magazines, or do an internet search for inspiration.”

How To Properly Dispose of License Plates

Some states have certain protocols that should be followed to help ensure your information stays safe when learning how to dispose of license plates. You’ll want to check with your local governing board for guidance on what is recommended.

For example, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you aren’t supposed to return your old plate unless you’re required to. One of the events you are required to do is if you want to end your vehicle’s liability insurance coverage or want to register your vehicle in another state.

With your old plates, they recommend marking each plate with a permanent marker and cutting them into pieces and putting them into the recycling bin a little bit each week to prevent the information from being able to be put together.

“One of the best things you can do to get rid of your plates properly is surrender them to the Department Of Labor. They will invalidate them and dispose of them (correctly) for you,” Michael says.

About The Experts

• Amelia Dalgaard, QBIC at Motorhead Mama.

• Ben Michael, an attorney at Michael & Associates

Sources

• New York State – Department of Motor Vehicles: Surrender (Return or Turn-in) Your Vehicle Plates and Registration

Related

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For? 
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You 
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For 

The post Never Toss Old License Plates in the Trash — Here’s Why appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Never Toss Old License Plates in the Trash — Here’s Why