Why License Plate Messages?

My apolgogies in advance - this is a long one...

When I get asked that question I think back to when PL8SCAN was just an idea. At first the obvious answer was to use it to vent road rage. But as we dug into it a little deeper we realized there were so many more possibilities. We realized that the reason the question comes up is that people just assume our cars are like cocoons and we don't even think about the possibility of contacting another driver unless of course something really serious happens. But in that case the only way to do it is to contact the police or the DMV.

But we wondered, what if talking to another driver was as easy as talking to someone you meet walking on the street or at a mall or any place else that actual human contact takes place? What might you say?

There are a lot of obvious "driving" related things that come to mind. Here's some examples
What do your plates mean?
You have a light out.
Did you see that guy hit me?
I can fix your bodywork.
Where did you get those rims?
Cool car!
Saw your sign. I have some ... work I need done

With that basic idea in mind the next thought was how could we let people send these messages with a little more immediacy. The answer we came up with was text messaging - phone calls just seemed a little too intimidating. Before you read further I want to clarify something. We DO NOT encourage or even suggest that you text message while driving - that is just plain dangerous and probably illegal. But - you can have a passenger send the message or just pull over and park safely to send it. PLEASE BE SAFE!

So now take the basic idea to another place - the parking lot. You don't even have to see the driver...
I saw someone ding your car.
This car looks abandoned
Do you really need a handicapped spot?
Great parking spot. Where do I get the "ignore signs" license?

Once you think of it as just another way to talk to someone the possibilities truly become endless...
I waved at your from the blue bug - want to talk?
Party at ... tonight!
You're hot!
Oops - sorry I cut you off
Thanks for being a courteous driver
I'll call for help
I saw your accident
I don't care what your other car is
Saw your sticker... Go Wildcats!

You can see where I'm going with this. The question changes from why to why not. All those drivers (and passengers) we come across are just people. PL8SCAN lets you treat them that way and all the while maintain your privacy just like in person. Messages can be sent anonymously or with a PL8SCAN username so you can get replies without revealing your personal information.

OK - so you still want to vent some road rage. Think about this - your message goes to anyone interested in that plate - shall we say... fleet owners? Instead of taking it out on the road now you have a way to let someone know their driving "needs a little work". Forget those (very few) 800 "How Am I Driving" stickers and phone numbers. Just get the plate and send the message - done!

PL8SCAN won't be for everyone and we know that. If you like your cocoon then just ignore us - but you might want to check if someone has sent you a message. We're not trying tell you that you should send messages - just that you now have an option you didn't have before. Keep us in your communication toolbox with postal mail, phone calls, email, text messages and now PL8 messages.

We hope you'll find our service useful and if you want more let us know. We're constantly evaluating new ideas to give you what you want and keep our users safe.

Till next time...