Electronic license plate

An electronic license plate (also referred to as a digital display license plate or a digital license plate) is a vehicle-mounted identification device that emits a radio signal for tracking and digital monitoring purposes. Various patents have been published to replace traditional metal and plastic license plates. It communicates directly with a vehicle's computer system and other remote systems related to vehicle regulation.

History

Inventor Dean L. Naddeo published a patent on June 11, 2002, for electronic license plates. The patent describes the capability to connect the license plate to a centralized system for registration control, and a method whereby the centralized system can update the license plate display. Two examples are given; 1) in the situation where the vehicle is involved in a crime, or 2) where the registration is no longer valid.

Design

Similar in size to traditional license plates, an electronic license plate often has a digital display measuring 12 by 6 inches (30 by 15 cm) which is set into a rectangular housing. The display is powered either directly from the vehicle's power system or by batteries and can communicate with the vehicle's onboard computer.

Components

• Central processing unit - Gathers and sends out information to external sources; sends information for display on the license plate's screen.
• Storage and Identifying key - The integrated circuit that stores information (e.g., vehicle registration, identification numbers, state of issue, expiration date) and restrictions, as well as a corresponding key to prevent electronic tampering.
• Disabling units - sensor; If tampering is detected, it sends a signal to the central computer system and ignition disrupter to disable the vehicle's electronic component.
• Display - backlit screen

Features

Information

Information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), registration expiration date, proof of insurance, and legal ownership records are displayed digitally on the plate's screen or viewed using a remote device.

Prepaid services

Electronic license plates allow certain transportation-related fees and services to be prepaid digitally and updated automatically. Possible fees that could be automatically paid include vehicle registration renewal, tolls, and parking permits.

Security

In situations such as a police chase or car accident, the plate could emit a signal of collision or crime, directly identifying the vehicle's involvement. If not identified at the scene, the license plate holds the information in memory and displays a digital alert.

Privacy

Privacy concerns are a major reason electronic license plates are not yet in public use. By consumer privacy laws, information from the electronic license plate will be sent out only when the vehicle is involved with any violations or illegal activities.

Criticisms of Electronic License Plates

Price and practicality

One common criticism of Electronic License Plates is the high price of such devices, with Tom Nardi of Hackaday stating that "[t]he question of whether or not the average car owner is willing to pay $800 to avoid the DMV is one we can't really answer".

Security and privacy

Another criticism of electronic license plates is the ability for third parties to disable their vehicle or display messages on their license plate without their permission, and the device constantly uploading GPS data.

Technical issues and legality

One criticism of electronic license plates is that they are computer systems and inherently prone to technical glitches and issues. An example would be popular car YouTuber Doug DeMuro commenting on how a license plate was downloading a software update. Another issue is that the primary manufacturer RPlate prevents their customer from opening it, preventing any repairs such as a broken screen from being performed by the user.

The practicality of installing such plates is also debated. As of 2023, only a select few states have allowed these devices.

Adoption in the U.S.

Three states in the US are exploring improvements over traditional license plates. The governor of California has set up California's Electronic License Plate Pilot Program, which will test such alternatives. In 2017, California expected to issue electronic license plates to a limited number of volunteers to test this new technology. The main reason for California's interest in electronic license plates is to reduce taxpayers' expenses and are projected to reduce the $20 million spent by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

After a successful rollout in California and Arizona, Michigan has legalized digital license plates. Legislation in Florida regarding allowing digital license plates has been considered but ultimately was not passed.

As of 2023, there is currently one vendor of electronic license plates in the United States. California-based Reviver is the sole supplier of electronic license plates for the states of Arizona, California, Michigan, and Texas (commercial fleet vehicles only).

References