California plates may go digital and show ads… seriously

It is truly amazing what states will do to raise revenue in tough times. As if there are not enough roadway distractions in our era, California is lending serious consideration to the use of digital license plates that when the vehicle stops for more than 4 seconds, will display digital advertisements.

The device will look like a standard license plate when the vehicle is moving, but switch to display a digital ad when the car stops for 4 seconds, though the plate number will always be displayed on some portion of the screen. According to one California Senator, several states are considering similar technology.

The bill currently before the legislature would enable the state DMV to work closely with a company based out of San Francisco called Smart Plate to develop the product for California roadways.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Yahoo
Image Source: Flickr – PhotoLab507