By Neil Shaw
Copyright dailyrecord
New number plates that emit a signal allowing your car to be tracked at all times are being tested in the UK. Experts say d igital number plates are equipped with a unique radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip and a wireless communication system, allowing authorities to track your vehicle in real-time and even remotely change the display of your license plate. Chris Coops from Mr Plates , said: “We’re moving into an era where every part of your car is a piece of connected tech, and the number plate is no exception. That means while you’ve got incredible security benefits, a driver’s anonymity on the road is pretty much a thing of the past.” The shift to digital plates, which are currently being trialled for certain fleets in the UK and are already legal in some US states like California, comes with both exciting possibilities and significant concerns for drivers. Digital plates are virtually impossible to clone, eradicating a major headache for UK drivers, which, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, caused 40% of vehicle thefts in 2022-23 to involve electronic manipulation. If a car is stolen, the digital plate can automatically display a “STOLEN” message, instantly alerting police, and its embedded GPS can aid in rapid recovery. But t he technology is expensive. In the US, digital plates can cost upwards of £500, a significant increase from traditional plates. The cost of replacement or repair would also be much higher. And like any digital device, e-plates are vulnerable to hacking. There are concerns that unauthorised access could compromise a vehicle’s data or that a software glitch could render the plate unreadable, potentially leading to fines or legal issues. “It’s a debate that’s only just beginning in the UK,” adds Chris. “As vehicle identity becomes increasingly digital, drivers need to be aware of both the incredible security benefits and the important privacy implications of this next generation of number plates.”
