Video: ABC Action News
“Digital license plates are about to go mainstream in Florida, and it could help save taxpayers millions.
According to NBC News, a company called Reviver Auto has developed electronic license plates, dubbed Rplates.
Rplates are now on sale in California, and will be available in Arizona, Texas and Florida in the near future…
With a click of a button, you could have your favorite sports team, show off your alma mater or support your favorite cause.
Each plate’s unique characters are constantly displayed…
If given permission advertisers could display ads on someone’s tag. The feature is available while a car is parked.
According to the state, Section 320.06(5), Florida Statutes [leg.state.fl.us], allows the department to evaluate technologies for alternative license plates; however, no pilot program is currently in place.
The company hopes to have the pilot program in place in Florida later this year.
Privacy/safety concerns
NBC News interviewed Dr. Ashraf Gaffar, an assistant professor of engineering at Arizona State University, who studies automotive technologies. He agreed that digital license plates could offer some benefits but cautioned that they might introduce other problems.
‘Driver distraction is one of the biggest killers of teenagers in the United States,’ said Gaffar, who is not affiliated with Reviver. ‘Having one more thing to look at while we’re driving will take our eyes off the road for a second or two more, which will have some side effects.’
Gaffer also warned that electronic plates could be ‘fertile ground for hackers,’ and could raise privacy concerns. He said more research is needed before the digital plates go mainstream.
— Andrew Ruiz, ABC Action News
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