California legalized digital license plates, which seems like a no-brainer. The Rplate is said to be able to operate in extreme temperatures, has some customization features, and can be controlled via Bluetooth via a smartphone app. R license plates are also equipped with an LTE antenna that can be used to send updates, replace the license plate if the vehicle is stolen or lost, and notify vehicle owners if their vehicle may have been stolen.
Perhaps most importantly for the average car owner, according to Reviver, Rplate owners can renew their driver’s license online through the Reviver mobile app.
Currently one Rplate per vehicle (battery version) every 48 months at $19.95 per month, for a total of $975.60 if kept for life. If the owner chooses to pay annually, the price would be $215.40 per year over the same four-year period, for a total of $861.60. Electric license plates for commercial vehicles cost $24.95 for 48 months and $275.40 for a year.
California law also includes provisions that may mitigate privacy concerns. “The bill generally prohibits equipping an alternative device (such as a digital license plate) with GPS or other vehicle location capabilities,” the California Legislature’s summary of the new legislation said. Not surprisingly, commercial fleets are exempt from this requirement.
Security risks are much more important. The question is, is the digital license plate protected from DDoS attacks, number spoofing attacks, or any new attacks that will be invented? Thinking about it, it seems like a piece of pressed metal is the safest solution.
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