We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 60°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

California considering ad-displaying license plates

Follow my_iria on Twitter

It seems impossible to escape advertising, and California, looking for any possible way to close its budget gap, may make it still more difficult.

The state is considering electronic license plates. The reason for the digital-age change, though, is strictly monetary: advertising.

The plates would appear to be standard license plates when the vehicle is moving, but when the vehicle is stopped for more than four seconds, either in traffic or at a stop light, would switch to digital messages. The number wouldn't vanish completely; it would still be visible in the corner of the plate.

In emergencies, the license plates could be used to broadcast Amber Alerts, traffic information, or emergency instructions.  The plates would use technology being developed by a 3-person San Francisco start-up, Smart Plate.

SB 1453 has passed the state Senate and is now before the Assembly. If it becomes law, and is adopted on a wide scale, the author, State Sen. Curren Price, D-Inglewood, said California would be the first state to embrace such technology.

Advertisement

, Tech Buzz Examiner

Michael Santo is a tech guru living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been involved in technology for over 20 years, including mobile, computer, and Internet. He once wrote the recomputation engine for a commercial spreadsheet and has been a freelance writer for several years, seeing his...

Comments

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...