California Considers Digital License Plates With Advertisements
CNN reports that California is considering moving to digital license plates. The idea would turn California's privately owned cars into an advertising revenue stream for the state. Digital advertisements could run on the license plate of every single California vehicle.
The technology could provide an additional source of revenue for the cash-strapped state, according to Price, the bill's author, as advertisers and technology companies contract with the Department of Motor Vehicles. He said the plates could also aid small businesses and add jobs to the ailing economy in the technology, sales and marketing, and service industries.
"State governments are facing unprecedented budget shortfalls, and are actively rethinking the use of existing state assets to create new ongoing revenue opportunities," he said. "This is a unique opportunity for public-private partnership."
The obvious downside is that people may not want ads on their vehicles. The ads could also be distracting to drivers.
