Privacy Policy

Last updated: 6 July 2026

This policy explains what information PlateClear collects when you use this website, why we collect it, and what your rights are. We try to keep it short and plain.

Who we are

"PlateClear", "we", "us" refers to the operator of plateclear.co.uk. For data-protection purposes we are the data controller. You can contact us at hello@plateclear.co.uk.

What we collect

Email address
When you submit the form to view a full vehicle report.
Vehicle registration
The plate you searched (this is public DVLA-licensable data, not personal data about you).
IP address & browser info
Recorded automatically with each request — for fraud prevention, rate limiting, and consent records.
Consent record
A timestamped copy of the consent text you ticked when you submitted the form.

Why we collect it (lawful basis)

  • Consent (UK GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)) — for sending you the report and any future related emails. You can withdraw consent at any time.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f)) — for protecting the service from abuse (rate limits, fraud), and for measuring usage in aggregate.

How we use your email

  • To show you the requested vehicle report on this site.
  • To send you occasional related updates from PlateClear (you can unsubscribe in one click from any email or via the link below).

We do not sell your email. We do not share it with third-party advertisers.

Vehicle data sources

The vehicle data shown is supplied by the UK Government via:

  • DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service (Open Data API) — make, colour, year, fuel type, tax/MOT status.
  • DVSA MOT History API — past MOT tests, mileage readings, advisories. (When available.)

Vehicle data is provided "as-is" from these government feeds. We don't guarantee accuracy and recommend verifying anything important against the official source.

How long we keep it

  • Email + signup record: 24 months from your last interaction, unless you unsubscribe sooner.
  • IP / request logs: 90 days for security and abuse-prevention purposes.
  • Vehicle lookup cache: 24 hours per registration plate.

Cookies

We use a small number of strictly-necessary cookies for the site to function (e.g. session and CSRF protection). We don't use third-party advertising cookies. Analytics, if used, is privacy-preserving (no cross-site tracking).

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

  • Access a copy of the data we hold about you.
  • Have inaccurate data corrected.
  • Have your data erased ("right to be forgotten").
  • Object to or restrict processing.
  • Withdraw consent at any time, including by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or by emailing us.
  • Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Contact

For any data-protection question or request, email hello@plateclear.co.uk.