
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 27, 1993                   TAG: 9310270154
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

BILL WOULD KEEP DRIVERS' INFORMATION PRIVATE

It's possible that someone you don't know - and maybe you wouldn't want to know - could get your phone number and address, just by checking your license-plate number.

A bill introduced Tuesday in Congress would block state motor vehicle departments from releasing personal information about a license holder to random callers.

"The random access to this type of personal information poses a threat to every licensed driver in the nation," said Rep. James Moran, D-Va., who introduced the bill with Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.

In 32 states an individual can learn anyone's name and address simply by submitting a license plate number and a nominal fee to the DMV, said Moran, of Alexandria. Virginia is not one of the states.

Under the bill, no information would be available to the public without the individual's permission. Applicants for licenses would be able to check a box to prevent information from going to direct-marketing firms, Moran said. - Associated Press

by CNB