Every vehicle a billboard for the state?

[pgg]

In California, license plates might go electronic | PressDemocrat.com

In California, license plates might go electronic

By ROBIN HINDERY
ASSOCIATED PRESS


Published: Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 10:38 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 10:38 a.m.
( page 1 of 3 )

SACRAMENTO — As electronic highway billboards flashing neon advertisements become more prevalent, the next frontier in distracted driving is already approaching — ad-blaring license plates.


The California Legislature is considering a bill that would allow the state to begin researching the use of electronic license plates for vehicles. The move is intended as a moneymaker for a state facing a $19 billion deficit.

The device would mimic a standard license plate when the vehicle is in motion but would switch to digital ads or other messages when it is stopped for more than four seconds, whether in traffic or at a red light. The license plate number would remain visible at all times in some section of the screen.

In emergencies, the plates could be used to broadcast Amber Alerts or traffic information.

The bill's author, Democratic Sen. Curren Price of Los Angeles, said California would be the first state to implement such technology if the state Department of Motor Vehicles ultimately recommends the widespread use of the plates. He said other states are exploring something similar.

Interested advertisers would contract directly with the DMV, thus opening a new revenue stream for the state, Price said.


Rest at link

[CTR man]

It figures something like this would come out of Los Angeles or San Francisco.

I don't see the CHP going along with this. Just my opinion.

The bill's author, Democratic Sen. Curren Price of Los Angeles, said California would be the first state to implement such technology if the state Department of Motor Vehicles ultimately recommends the widespread use of the plates. He said other states are exploring something similar.

Interested advertisers would contract directly with the DMV, thus opening a new revenue stream for the state, Price said.

"We're just trying to find creative ways of generating additional revenues," he said. "It's an exciting marriage of technology with need, and an opportunity to keep California in the forefront."

At least one company, San Francisco-based Smart Plate, is developing a digital electronic license plate but has not yet reached the production stage.

Reached by e-mail Friday, the company's chief executive, M. Conrad Jordan, said the legislation provides an opportunity for the state to harness some of the creativity and technical expertise of its private sector.

Jordan said he envisioned the license plates as not just another advertising venue, but as a way to display personalized messages — broadcasting the driver's allegiance to a sports team or an alma mater, for example.

"The idea is not to turn a motorist's vehicle into a mobile billboard, but rather to create a platform for motorists to show their support for existing good working organizations," he said.

[Cidp24]

Thank goodness I don't live in CA but if I did, that would not go on my car.

[CTR man]

Thank goodness I don't live in CA but if I did, that would not go on my car.

I could see Amber alerts or something like that, but otherwise? NO!!!

The liberals are quite vain here in CA.

[TXCharlie]

It would be awsome if a hacker broke into the system and displayed whatever he wanted to on every license plate in the state

I can't imagine it being workable as a real-time alert system, unless the state twisted cell phone providers to provide free data service and free aircards or something similar built into the plates, which would mean that everyone's cell phone bill would go up dramatically. Either that or the state would have to install "Wi-Fi" hotspots all over the place, or some type of one-way radio system, perhaps riding the data on top of commercial radio stations's subcarriers, but that would be expensive too.

Maybe some cities are blanketed by hotspots for public service (to supplement police/fire radios and data terminals so they are more reliable in dead zones, and so the dispatchers can see what the car's dashcam sees in real time), but I've only heard of them doing that as an experiment.

I can see a real gold mine for contractors to install the hotspots, and another goldmine for the electronic plate suppliers.

[pgg]

Our registration fees would go up dramatically to pay for this. I don't see them offering it for the same amout. My 97 f-350 is almost $700 a year already. I would hate to think what it would be with this crap.

[SPD]

OK - California needs to fall off into the ocean already. If it wasn't for all the porn made there, CA would be completely useless.

[CTR man]

Yes, CA will nail you on commercial and weight fees. Even for a privately owned pick-up.

[TXCharlie]

My 97 f-350 is almost $700 a year already. I would hate to think what it would be with this crap.

no wonder illegals can't afford to do anything but steal plates or get fake ones.

[Odd]

I think this is a great idea!

It means if I drive my Bass Pro Shops, Raisin Bran, Pepsi sponsored Monte Carlo faster than anyone else I get a check and a kiss from the trophy girl, right?

No? Damn

To heck with it then, leave this idea for NASCAR

[Cidp24]

@ TXCharlie - If the cell phone/wi-fi thing was how it worked, the plate could be tracked. Big brother for real. Nope, not me.

[pgg]

@ TXCharlie - If the cell phone/wi-fi thing was how it worked, the plate could be tracked. Big brother for real. Nope, not me.

That thought crossed my mind also. Plus what happens if the thing breaks. Do you get cited for having an illegibal plate? Do you have to pay for it?

[bayern]

How about the idea of designing your own license plate and taking it to the Hwy Dept for approval. If approved, go to a local shop and have it made. In SC, specialty plates cost $45.00 plus the registration. It would have to have the State and Numbers plainly visible, but you could have any design on it you want as long as its not obscene,etc. Charge, say $75.00 plus registration. It would make the State some $$$$s and give small business' a boost.

[pgg]

How about the idea of designing your own license plate and taking it to the Hwy Dept for approval. If approved, go to a local shop and have it made. In SC, specialty plates cost $45.00 plus the registration. It would have to have the State and Numbers plainly visible, but you could have any design on it you want as long as its not obscene,etc. Charge, say $75.00 plus registration. It would make the State some $$$$s and give small business' a boost.

You can already get personalized plates. They have to be approved by the state though

[Radar]

Thats the dumbest idea ive heard lately.

Too many reasons to say no, too few to say yes.

[bayern]

You can already get personalized plates. They have to be approved by the state though

True, but you have to get so many people in SC its 300) to agree to get one and the state will then design it and sell lit. What I am saying, your 4 year old draws a pretty picture or your yard and you want to put it on a license late. Go to the Hwy Dept, get a number and have someone make it up. Its your individual only one like it plate. I thlink it would be kool. Example: MY PLATE

[Autumn2009]

You should be able to broadcast your own messages on it! Imagine the road rage then hehe

[ms1600]

Our registration fees would go up dramatically to pay for this. I don't see them offering it for the same amout. My 97 f-350 is almost $700 a year already. I would hate to think what it would be with this crap.

I feel sorry for you. My registration for my 1999 F-250 is $116 every two years.

[Bama512]

My 97 f-350 is almost $700 a year already.

Please tell me that you are being sarcastic. I have a 2007 full sized pickup and my tag is $150. You guys are getting hosed!

[bayern]

I feel sorry for you. My registration for my 1999 F-250 is $116 every two years.

My wifes BMW tag costs about $35.00 per year (tag and registration, etc.) Insurance is another story.