Five years after the first signatures by California Governor Jerry Brown, the new digital traffic signs they finally appeared on the streets. According to The Sacramento Bee, the new plates started rolling out this weekteam, and they are by no means cheap.
Motorists who choose to buy digital license plates can register their vehicles electronically and not have to stick stickers for road tax every year. Digital signs feature computer chips, batteries and wireless communication systems. They will also be able to display personal messages if the authorities allow it.
Dealers (individuals) are expected to stock the plates for $699, not including the cost installations. Owners will also have to pay a monthly fee of $7. Digital license plates will only be allowed on the rear of the vehicle.
A state spokesman said there are only 116 vehicles with digital license plates currently. "The purpose of the pilot program is to identify and analyze the possible benefits, so we are still in the evaluation phase.”
As with all new technologies, cyber security and hacking seem to be of great concern to the authorities. The ability to locate a vehicle by radio system digital license plate communication may be ideal for multi-car owners, but for individual drivers, the feature can become a nightmare.
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