The California State Assembly is set to consider a bill that would green-light “Digital Electronic License Plate” technology. These digi-plates would turn any license plate into a mobile advertising space, flashing ads if the car sits nevertheless for a lot more than four seconds. With there being no formal opposition ready to debate these plates, are you going to see them on the road next year?
What are these new digital electronic license plates?
The bill making its way through the California legislature gives the DMV their permission they need to work with companies creating so-called “Smart Plates.” These license plates are small, pre-programmed screens. During normal operation of the vehicle (read: driving along the road) the plate displays the license plate number. Stop for more than three or four seconds, though, and most of the screen will display something else. The idea is that these plates can be able to display advertising, a personalized message, or anything really that can be put into pixels.
Why the e-plate could be good
The California Assembly is set on the DELP for one reason: budget. A $ 19 billion spending budget hole has left the state looking for any and each and every way to bring in additional cash. With more than 32 million registered automobiles in the state, these e-plates would give advertisers millions of new opportunities to pay the state for advertising. These e-plates would also give residents a chance to pay a lot more money for ultra-personalization on their cars. Budget wins.
The Digital license plate being a bad idea
Though the state spending budget of California could benefit from approving DLEP e-plates, it might eventually cost the state even a lot more money. First, these electronic license plates would change your license plate at the press of a button – certainly attractive to speeders, red-light runners and criminals of all types who could hack their plates to make their numbers obstructed or invisible. Second, would it really be a good idea to turn every car in California into a flashing neon billboard? What business wants to be the one known for causing crashes? ? There also appears to be some concern about property rights. Does the state even have the rights to sell space on private property for advertisements the drivers wouldn’t make a cent on?
What do you think about the idea?
