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Dubai To Launch Digital Vehicle Number Plates (bbc.com)
Drivers in Dubai may soon be using digital number plates under new plans. In a trial starting next month, vehicles will be fitted with smart plates with digital screens, GPS and transmitters. From a report: The new plates will be able to inform emergency services if a driver has an accident. Dubai has recently spearheaded a number of new transport initiatives as it seeks to become an international technology hub. According to Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi, the head of the Vehicle Licensing Department at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the plates will make life easier for drivers in Dubai. As well as contacting the police and ambulance services if the vehicle is involved in a collision, the technology allows real-time communication with other drivers about traffic conditions or any accidents ahead. The number plates can also change to display an alert if the vehicle or digital plate is stolen.
A rock hitting a stamped metal non-electronic license plate may put a dent in it but it's not going to render it inoperable. Your stamped metal license plate also won't stop working if it gets wet, as opposed to complicated electronics that get destroyed by water getting in them. Then there's also being tracked every goddamned place you drive because the goddamned fucking piece of shit has a goddamned GPS and a goddamned cellular modem in it. Or do you want shit like this to get a foothold ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD as precendent for the U.S. to decide to mandate it, so we're all driving around with the equivalent of a goddamned ankle monitor?