SMS Notifications
PlatePal lets neighbors leave friendly, anonymous notes for the owner of a license plate ("you left your lights on", "thanks for the great parking job", etc.). If you choose to add your phone number when you sign up, we can text you when someone sends you a note so you don't miss it.
How to opt in
SMS notifications are optional and off by default. To turn them on, the user takes two explicit steps during account signup at useplatepal.com/register:
- Enter a mobile phone number in the "Phone (optional, for SMS notifications)" field.
- Check the SMS consent checkbox shown below the phone field.
Below is a visual representation of the exact opt-in fields that appear on the signup page (the consent checkbox only appears once a phone number has been entered):
The exact opt-in language the user agrees to is:
"I agree to receive SMS notifications from PlatePal when neighbors message my plate. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help, STOP to unsubscribe. Msg & data rates may apply."
The account cannot be created with SMS notifications enabled unless this checkbox is explicitly checked by the user. SMS notifications are never enabled automatically, and consent is never bundled with another agreement (such as the Terms of Service or Privacy Policy — those are a separate, additional checkbox).
Users can also opt in (or change their number) later from Settings → Notifications inside the app, using the identical disclosure and checkbox.
What you'll receive
- A short SMS when another PlatePal user sends a message to one of your registered license plates.
- An occasional SMS for a "street alert" if a neighbor on your street posts something to everyone on the block (for example, "street cleaning tomorrow at 8am").
We do not send promotional, marketing, or third-party SMS. Every text relates directly to activity on your own PlatePal account.
Message frequency
Message frequency varies and depends entirely on how often other PlatePal users message your plate or your street. Most users receive fewer than 5 messages per month. Some receive none.
How to stop messages
You can stop SMS notifications at any time, in any of these ways:
- Reply STOP to any PlatePal text message. You will receive one confirmation message and then no further texts.
- Open the app, go to Settings → Notifications, and turn off "SMS notifications" or remove your phone number.
- Email [email protected] and ask us to remove your number.
Reply HELP to any PlatePal text for help, or contact [email protected].
Costs
PlatePal does not charge you to send or receive SMS. However, message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier. Check your mobile plan if you're unsure.
Carriers supported
SMS notifications are sent via Twilio and work with all major US and Canadian carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, Boost, Cricket, MetroPCS, Rogers, Bell, Telus, and others. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Privacy
Your phone number is used only to deliver these notifications. We do not sell or share your number with third parties for marketing. See our full Privacy Policy for details on how we handle your data.
Contact
Questions about SMS notifications? Email [email protected] or use the Feedback tab inside the app.