When traveling down any California freeway, drivers are seeing more and more digital billboards vying for attention. This same eye-catching technology may soon find its way on license plates as well.
In a state that is dealing with a $19 billion deficit, a new bill is being proposed which would allow California to consider digital license plates as a way to make a little extra cash, as advertisers would be able to display messages on them. The proposed technology would enable ads to turn on when the vehicle is idle in traffic or at a red light, but still show the license plate number at all times.
Aside from being a unique revenue generator, these license plates could also be used to show valuable traffic information or display Amber Alerts.
According to the bill’s author, Democratic Sen. Curren Price of Los Angeles, California would be the first state to introduce this technology. He also says that the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles supports the adoption of digital plates.
“We’re just trying to find creative ways of generating additional revenues,” Price said. “It’s an exciting marriage of technology with need, and an opportunity to keep California in the forefront.”
Advertisers would be able to contact the Dept. of Motor Vehicles to buy ad space. The plates would also be easily customizable to the driver’s personal preferences, such as illustrating an allegiance to a particular sports team.
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Pretty weird. Shouldn’t drivers get a cut of the profits as well. It’s our advertising vehicle (no pun intended)
http://whowhatwherewheny.com/2010/06/21/digital-ads-on-license-plates/