A new technology is hitting the streets of California that lets motorists use high-tech digital license plates on their vehicles instead of the traditional metal variety. After passing in Arizona and Michigan, the Motor Vehicle Digital Number Plates Bill has now also passed in California. This bill allows vehicle owners to use digital license plates. The bill only allows consumers to use plates made by the Sacramento based company Reviver.
The idea for digital license plates is not new, the 1974 article: An Electronic License Plate for Motor Vehicles by Fred Sterzler, introduced the idea as a cheap way to increase safety on the United states highways.
These digital license plates resemble a tablet that is connected directly to the car’s vehicle computer systems. Not only can it display the license plate on the screen, it is also able to emit a radio signal which can be used for tracking the car and other digital monitoring purposes.
One of the main advantages of having a digital license plate for the vehicle owner is not having to go through traditional channels like the department of motor vehicles to renew or apply for vehicle registration. The system can also display additional messages alongside the licence plate number, for example if the vehicle owner has reported the vehicle as stolen and if the vehicle has no active insurance.
As with most digital innovations, privacy is being exchanged for functionalities. As this device is connected to the internet it is susceptible to malicious attacks. If the system is compromised potential risks include: identity fraud, data theft and an unwanted party having control over the ignition disruptor included in the system. Additional concerns are being raised about the police getting access to the system’s information including the speedometer, which could result in unwanted constant surveillance.
Above all it seems like a $20 a month + $99 single time install fee to replace an invulnerable metal license plate with a glorified tablet. If for whatever reason this tablet would stop working your car instantly becomes not road legal.
It will be interesting to see if this new technology will gain popularity among vehicle owners. Without proper legislation it seems like owners of digital license plates are gaining very little in functionality whilst giving up a lot of their privacy and opening themselves up to digital attacks.
Bibliography
Sterzler, F. An Electronic License Plate for Motor Vehicles (1974). RCA review. http://www.rsp-italy.it/Electronics/Magazines/RCA%20Review/_contents/RCA%20Review%201974-06.pdf#page=5
Interesting blog, the fact that simple things like a license plate can still be replaced by technology continues to amaze me! California is known for being one of the early adopters of technological developments due to its large technology sector, do you think that the product will also spread to other states and possibly other continents such as Europe in case certain disadvantages of the product can be solved?