Zapatag lets you shame bad drivers online
The next time you have a close encounter with a reckless driver, you can avoid the single finger salute and take out your frustrations online. Zapatag is a site that allows registered users (username, password, and e-mail address are all that's required) to submit the license plate information of offensive motorists for recognition or public humiliation. That's right, you can now report drunk drivers, cars that run red lights, and hybrid vehicles in the fast lane! The site has no legal connection with any jurisdiction, so your efforts will only serve to lower your blood pressure and make you feel better (and possibly avoid a bullet or two).
License plate information, incident location, and details are all stored within the site's database. A search engine is able to locate previous offenders based on full or partial plate numbers, or location. If you are a stalker, Zapatag will allow you to follow specified plate numbers as they collect comments -- or follow your own if you're a bit paranoid. One heads-up: The site doesn't appear to use any language filters (or grammar checks for that matter), so exercise caution when visiting the site at work.
[Source: Download Squad]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tourian 6:04PM (5/11/2009)
Great, I wonder how much moderation goes on. So anybody can slander anybody they want huh? I wonder how long this will last...
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I am Rich 8:17PM (5/11/2009)
Technically, it is libel. But, yes.
RP 3:12AM (5/12/2009)
Maybe if we just slander a make of car... I seem to encounter more rude BMW/Mercedes/Lexus drivers than any other make. Part of the rich and famous lifestyle?
BMW Driver 1:48PM (5/12/2009)
ROFL -
There aren't nearly that many of us on the road as compared to toyota/honda/ford etc. So your claim is dubious at best. Nice try though. Part of the average and boring lifestyle?
Kevin 6:07PM (5/11/2009)
Who has the willpower to suppress their anger, get to the nearest computer, log on to this site, and then moan and groan about some insignifcant person who pissed them off, that they'll probably never see again?
No thank you.
I still prefer honking the horn, the one finger salute, yelling profusely and violently out the window. And then my trusted .45.
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ale 9:41PM (5/11/2009)
sounds eerily similar to a site that a lot of us often comment on... hmmm...
nardvark 6:08PM (5/11/2009)
I predict this will be abused excessively by teenagers.
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Tourian 6:46PM (5/11/2009)
Ha ha, just read part of the TOC on the site.
"Must be 13 years or older to join."
Really.
Ken 9:55PM (5/11/2009)
That's a standard internet thing, I don't know what about turning 13 makes people not ignorant e-thugs though.
Tourian 11:41AM (5/12/2009)
I understand the standard internet thing, but you'd think you'd have to be of legal age to drive to post.
brn 6:13PM (5/11/2009)
Bad idea, bad idea, bad idea.
This is one really bad idea.
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Farris 6:30PM (5/11/2009)
No, that was three bad ideas.
mikemaj82 6:16PM (5/11/2009)
huh? There are people who blur/black out their license plates when they post pictures of their car, but now anybody can post your license plate number up online on a public website?
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John 6:19PM (5/11/2009)
why worry about displaying your license plate online? You drive your car everywhere for everyone to view the plate, doesn't make much difference online
letstakeawalk 6:42PM (5/11/2009)
It's not "your" license plate. It actually belongs to your state, which is why you have to return them. Since they are legally required to be displayed at all times, there is absolutely no expectation of privacy, and so it is entirely legal to post photos of license plates in any public forum.
Not that I think this is a good idea. It could easily be subverted.
mikemaj82 7:37PM (5/11/2009)
yea it's not "my" license plate, but it has all of "my" information stored in it.
WilliamTell 7:50PM (5/11/2009)
@ mikemaj82
my thoughts exactly. and what if you weren't even driving the car at the time of the alleged incident. What if u had it lent to a friend, family member, could even be the dealer driving it after servicing. So many scenarios arise as to why this is such a bad idea
MGBYG 8:19PM (5/11/2009)
In Arizona, you own the plate, just like the old days. Sell the car, take your plate with ya.
I am with the folks who see this as a revenge tool.
Also, how soon before your State Troopers check in on the site...you can access the innerwebtubes from a Tim Horton's or Dunkin Donuts nowadays...
letstakeawalk 8:21PM (5/11/2009)
@ Mikemaj82
...and your information is a matter of public record. Anyone can go to the DMV with your license and get your information. I understand that this might be frightening and certainly could have dire consequences, but anyone can access public records.
That the plate is shown on the Internet is no different than the hundreds/thousands of people who see your plate every time you drive down a public street.
To be blunt, it's the point of having a license tied to your personal information - it makes you accountable for your actions. It provides a method for authorities to ascertain your identity.
I do agree with those who think this is a bad idea. Not because of the "privacy" argument, but rather because it doesn't actually accomplish anything other than letting another driver vent their frustrations.
mikemaj82 8:47PM (5/11/2009)
sure anyone can go pay the DMV and get my record..but why would they take the time and effort to do so? They can just get my plate number from the street, the internet..etc.