The biggest collections of plate-scan data are private. It started with repo-men who pay to be part of nationwide networks where they all drive around scanning

The biggest collections of plate-scan data are private. It started with repo-men who pay to be part of nationwide networks where they all drive around scanning every visible plate in exchange for getting hits on plates they are looking for. But, as always, those enormous databases were too tempting to just sit on and the maintainers have started looking for other ways to monetize them - if they'll sell joe lawyer a search for $10, you can be sure they are selling access to the NSA, et al too. http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamtanner/2013/07/10/data-broker-offers-new-service-showing-where-they-have-spotted-your-car/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamtanner/2013/07/10/data-broke... http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/16/4626118/a-fort-worth-firm-makes-a-device.html http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/16/4626118/a-fort-worth... http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/automobiles/28REPO.html http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/automobiles/28REPO.html