Ive heard of one country where you could phone up with the number plate of any car and get the phone number and address of the owner, all perfectly legal. I think the idea is that people will drive more sensibly and respectfully if they know that anyone can get their details easily... not sure I'd be too comfortable with that though!
Cant remember what country it is now though
Might have seen about it on Top Gear, or one of Clarksons other, older programs (extreme machines etc).