SALT LAKE CITY— Concern has grown among some Utahans on how to keep their personal information safe in their car, while on vacation.
This comes after a Lehi family who had their car broken into, their registration was stolen, and used to find and break into their home.
But, there are quite a few things people can do to keep their personal information safe.
“You don’t want people knowing where you live just by information on your car,” said Jason Gardner with the Utah State Tax Commission, the organization that oversees the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Tips to keep personal info safe
Gardner shared a few tips with KSL Newsradio about how to protect personal information.
For one, people are not required to have a physical copy of the registration in their cars, under a law that went into effect in 2018.
“Law enforcement has access to our DMV records… they know who’s cars are registered and not registered just by simply looking at the license plate,” Gardner explained.
Under legislation passed in 2022, drivers are still encouraged to keep registration cards in their cars for the convenience of law enforcement, but a picture on a cell phone is also acceptable.
But, if you still want to keep physical copies of your registration and insurance in your car, consider doing the following:
- Keep anything with personal information, even if it’s just mail with your address, locked and out of sight.
- If your insurance card has your address, reach out to your provider to see if they can make a card without it.
- Keep garage door openers locked away.
- If you have other valuables in your car, consider putting and locking them in the trunk so they are out of sight.