Digital number plates that track drivers undergo testing overseas - News - Driven

Dubai's authorities are planning to introduce a digital number plate capable of tracking drivers locations and informing the police of bad driving.

The new plates will be synced up to a user's account so that parking fees, road fines or licence plate renewals would be remotely taken from drivers by cops.

The city's police claim the technology will be used mainly to help emergency services locate accidents.

It is claimed they could also change to display a special alert or some other form of warning if they're stolen.

But concerns are growing that the plates will cause privacy issues as they could be used to catch speeding drivers.

Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi, the head of the Vehicle Licensing Department at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) dispelled the rumours, claiming the introduction of the plates will make life 'easier for drivers'.

'The digital plate, called Tag to Connect, is a smart screen that will replace the current metal plate,' Sultan Abdullah Al Marzouqi told Khaleej Times.

'With the digital plate installed in your car, you need not come to any RTA service centre every year in order to renew your vehicle plate - your car registration will be automatically renewed after passing the vehicle test.'

'The digital plate will also allow vehicles to connect with each other. That's why it's "Tag to Connect" - meaning, motorists can exchange information on traffic condition or if there is an accident on the road.

'All this information will be connected to the central command system of the RTA.' 

Upon their release, the plates will use cutting edge GPS transmitters mounted on the car to communicate information back to the police.

It's not clear how much the plates will cost, but according to Sultan Abdullah, they are currently being tested.

The trial is set to run until November and will find out how the technology works with Dubai's desert climate. 

- Daily Mail