RW>Then any one is able to go down to the DMV and give a
  >tag number and pay a fee and get the data?  If that is
  >so then the privacy argument moot.
Used to be that way in a lot of places until you started having the
nuts and stalkers looking up license plates.  Now, they are restricted
somewhat.  However in any event the license plates have numbers that
are already part of the state records and you have no privacy interest
as to the government checking its own records.
RW>But if the records are not available to the public
  >(which I think is the case in most states) then the
  >state recognizes that there is some reason to keep them
  >private (defined as not allowing public access) and
  >therefore there IS a privacy issue.
A privacy issue as to the public...........not to the state.  When you
applied for that license plate, you voluntarily provided the 
information to the state with full knowledge that the state would use
that information in regulation.
RW>Why should a police officer be able to look up a record
  >for no reason other than his own curiosity but a nonLEO
  >is prevent to do the same?
Rich, I know you know the answer to this.  The purpose of the license
plate is to identify vehicles.  The officer has access to the ownership
information of that vehicle for law enforcement purposes including but
not limited to checking to see whether the plate is valid and properly
displayed on the vehicle it was issued to.
CHARLES HUNTER
 * 1st 2.00 #9124 * A bad plan is better than no plan at all.
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