They are explicitly designed to be as public as possible, as they should be. They were designed in an age in which pervasive video-cameras and back-end databas

They are explicitly designed to be as public as possible, as they should be. They were designed in an age in which pervasive video-cameras and back-end databases that never forget were pure science fiction at best. In effect, the terms of the public's contract with the state regarding license plates have changed. It's time we re-negotiate that contract in light of the new circumstances.