Digital License Plates with Ads on Them

[Falcon Fanatic]

These could be coming to Califonia:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010- ... ates_N.htm

Is this a good idea???

[Tech83]

I heard about this on NPR a couple of days ago. But the plates only change when you stop for a set period of time... and the question might be will you actually be able to see the plate or will you be on your blackberry watch youtube.

[Falcon Fanatic]

I heard about this on NPR a couple of days ago. But the plates only change when you stop for a set period of time... and the question might be will you actually be able to see the plate or will you be on your blackberry watch youtube.

I still see it as another distraction we don't need when driving. What if you are pulling through an intersection (in a line of traffic) and the lane next to you is stopped. You see an "ad" on the back of the car next to you, you look, as it catches your eye. The guy ahead of you stops...and you plow into him.... Yeah, I know this kind of thing happens without license plate ads, but to me...it's just ONE MORE distraction behind the wheel...and who needs MORE ads????

[musicman2343]

These could be coming to Califonia:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010- ... ates_N.htm

Is this a good idea???

IMO it's completely inane and a waste of revenue... The only thing that I saw that might be useful is broadcasting Amber alerts. Even still, you probably won't be stopped the majority of the time while driving; and, like someone already stated you probably wouldn't be able to see it...

Other problems:
1) What kind of light source will it use? The majority of light types will be bleached out in sunlight so you won't see it anyway.
2) What if the fuse blows for some reason? I'm sure the average American won't check to see their license plate is on before leaving for their destination? (I'm sure this would be a rare occurrence but still have to ask the question...)
3) The cost for producing these would be insane, not to mention the fact that you'd have to tweak the car to accommodate it because I highly doubt automakers are going to make models to accommodate electronic license plates.

Those are just a few things that came to mind. Too many advertisements on the roads already, no need to add more especially ones that can pose danger to drivers...

[Lord_Byron]

Here's an idea. If they could somehow put a receiver in the plate that can tell if there is cell-phone activity in the car.

Then the plate could glow bright red with the message:
"WARNING: Texting in Progress, Stay Back"

[Tech83]

I thought the ads won't occur unless the car has been stopped (and still running) for 3 minutes.

Either way..... I think it is a silly idea.

Of course, I could see some personal injury attorneys putting ads there

"If you've been hurt by the negligence of another driver contact the Legal Firm of Howard, Fine and Howard."

[FalconTurf]

Here's an idea. If they could somehow put a receiver in the plate that can tell if there is cell-phone activity in the car.

Then the plate could glow bright red with the message:
"WARNING: Texting in Progress, Stay Back"

EXCELLENT! Forward this legislation to Columbus and Washington. The "texters" scare me more than the "DUI" crowd (although I'm no fan of either).