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GLEN BURNIE, Md. — The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle (MDOT MVA) is launching a two-year pilot program to test new digital license plates.
Maryland is one of the first states to test these plates on the east coast. The plates are similar in size to traditional metal plates, but have an electronic display.
The plates are being tested on 20 MDOT MVA fleet vehicles and two Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) vehicles.
“At MDOT MVA, we are constantly evaluating emerging technologies in the transportation industry to find innovative ideas that could benefit our customers,” Administrator Chrissy Nizer said. “We are excited about the digital plate pilot and the potential of this technology to pave the way for additional customer convenience.”
MDOT MVA is working with Reviver, a digital license plate manufacturer, to test its Rplate, which includes technology that allows it to be updated electronically. Instead of placing a manual sticker on a tag when renewing vehicle registration, the digital license plate can be updated automatically to display the new registration information.
Digital tags also have the potential to display real-time information such as Amber Alerts and other safety information, and can display an alert if the vehicle is reported stolen.
Maryland is the fourth state to conduct this type of pilot program with Reviver, which is providing the test plates at no cost to the state. Digital license plates are currently not legal in Maryland, but California, Michigan and Arizona do allow motorists to use them in place of traditional plates.
License plates are traditionally made at the state penitentiaries. Looks like the people who make these electronic ones are going to need a lot more training.
Don't love the idea of my plate being used to broadcast messages...
What if hackers get into it and intercept the broadcast signal from DMV? The next James Bond wannebe won't have to have a revolving plate carrier (like he had on the DB5) with different plates. Use a different "plate" with different, (randomly) generated numbers to fool each of the traffic cameras along the route.
Originally Posted by SW17LS
I have a hard time seeing how the extreme cost of this vs a metal plate will make sense, even in spite of the benefits.
The state would sell advertising (all those messages will not be broadcast for free) and that would pay for all these fancy electronics.
Not sure I follow you What's "private" about a license plate?...in fact, the law states that it must be clearly seen.
If hackers get into it, they could change your plate number or could force your plate to broadcast "bad" messages (your name, false information, etc.).
As per usual tech company promises PR exposure, for a free trial and of course some sort of budget relief. Probably similar to the red light cameras proposal etc.
While there are safety benefits, short term hurt:
1) Automatic fee for all drivers
2) magnet for theft
3) wonder what type of communication protocol they are using and how secure it is
06-21-19, 05:27 PM
Maryland one of the first states to try out digital license plates
What's "private" about a license plate?...in fact, the law states that it must be clearly seen.
