Crusty Trucker Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 (edited) Well, folks, they're optional now, but it won't be long... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/digital-license-plates-are-now-legal-in-california/ar-AA12YuEh?ocid=mailsignout&li=BBnb7Kz Edited October 15, 2022 by Crusty Trucker (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erska Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Yet another techie solution to a non-existent problem. This Californian is very happy with his old-tech metal plates -- especially the ones that are original to their 50+ year old cars. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzBob Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 "Reviver's digital license plates cost as little as $19.95 per month, or about $960 for four years, according to the company. Installation fees are $99. " No thanks, for that price I'll keep my $2.91 per month, or $140 for four years metal plate. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 (edited) 57 minutes ago, Erska said: Yet another techie solution to a non-existent problem. Exactly! Someone is always trying to improve something that doesn't need improvement. That thought is perhaps what created powered head-rests and motors that pull down the final inch of trunk lids. Edited October 15, 2022 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Do they attach with slotted or Philipps head screws, can California car owners figure out how to install them? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Layden B Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Well we know where this is headed! Make them flash with the lights for an emergency, connected to the internet of course so the police can make them say " I am stolen", the possibilities are almost endless and troubling. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Layden B Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Of course they will not be owner installed or the maker won't get the $99 installation fee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimy Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Prediction: Within 24 hours of the first commercial installation, there will be a phone app available to change one's license number to a rude message. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Kingsley Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 I'm sorry, I know hating everything new and electronic is the expected default but I think it's awesome. Especially if they light up at. The only drawback I see is collecting them...that may prove a bit of a problem. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrspeedyt Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Digital license plate that’s not there physicaly? How is Joe six pack or the old granny in the parking lot going to know what car ran them over if no physical license plate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Your missing the really big question………did they make a 6 volt positive ground unit available? If not, I would sue for age discrimination. 5 2 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 9 hours ago, Erska said: Yet another techie solution to a non-existent problem. This Californian is very happy with his old-tech metal plates -- especially the ones that are original to their 50+ year old cars. Agree. Just because you can does not mean you should. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Wetherbee Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 But can they ever match the patina? Personally I think I would pass on it anyhow… 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 If you back into someone hard enough they can't get a plate number. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max4Me Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 (edited) I’m willing to bet that shortly after introduction the state will find a way to put some kind of advertising on them that will show, likely, when the car is stopped or parked. So we get to pay for the plate and registration fees but we also will get to generate additional income for the state. Edited October 16, 2022 by Max4Me (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Trucker Posted October 16, 2022 Author Share Posted October 16, 2022 21 hours ago, 1937hd45 said: Do they attach with slotted or Philipps head screws, can California car owners figure out how to install them? Probably crazy glue! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1912Staver Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 A fool and his gold! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Gregush Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 If they are digital, they should be able to match the patina. Many states already have a bit of advertising on their plates, even if just for that state. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 I think the idea of them is pretty neat in a forward thinking kind of way. BUT, dont we have enough electronic stuff (I put that mildly) already? Personally there is a reason I like antique cars and no electronics is one of them. I was just looking at a guys new f150 lightning (all electric). It was an incredible vehicle, had all the bells and whistles. My first thought was what is going to happen in 10-15 years when things start going wonky, and I know they will. I have a 2003 Mercedes that has a strong running motor, car is still very sound but the electronic stuff crapped out. The repair is cost prohibitive compared to the value of the vehicle. Its in my barn collecting more dust every month (I hope that will add to the future value, LOL). My 'new' vehicle is a 2013 f150. It has decided to tell me the rear door is open with a big red light on the dash. Unbeknownst to the Ford the door is closed tightly! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 I like the old cars for their simplicity, give me a screwdriver, piece of sandpaper, and a gallon of gas and can get most pre-war cars running. Electronics can kill the pleasure of owning a newer car, a lot of features are added just because they can be done, not because theyreally help the driver… 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC38dls Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 I wonder if you get in a crash with an all electric car and one of the main battery cables broke touching metal could you get shocked if you touch the metal? Are there enough amps/volts in the batteries to do that? dave s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 (edited) These plates are not for me either, and vanity plates were never my thing either, but why begrudge those who would want them? They obviously are going used on a new car. it has little or no impact on me at all. On 10/15/2022 at 2:20 AM, Billy Kingsley said: I'm sorry, I know hating everything new and electronic is the expected default but I think it's awesome. Especially if they light up at. The only drawback I see is collecting them...that may prove a bit of a problem. Billy summed it up best as one of the younger members on the site, just because it is "new" or "electronic" or we "don't understand" we tend to automatically hate it. Then 10 threads from now we will ask why we can't attract younger people into the hobby. It is sad when that has become his observation of us! Edited October 16, 2022 by John348 (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, SC38dls said: I wonder if you get in a crash with an all electric car and one of the main battery cables broke touching metal could you get shocked if you touch the metal? Are there enough amps/volts in the batteries to do that? 1. There is already a source of enough amps to kill you in your car. Lucky, the voltage is low so it would have to be connected under your skin. It only takes .010 amps (10 milliamps) or so through the heart to cause serious issues. 2. A path needs to be to allow current to flow. A continuous circuit. If you sit on a 500 Kilovolt transmission line, you will be fine, as there is no path for current to flow, your entire body is at one voltage. Just touching the metal of the car will not be an issue. 3. Therefore for the 300 volt or so battery to kill you, you need to be touching both the + and - of the battery at the same time. And then, yes, you will have a bad shock, burn or fatality. People who work on these electric vehicles are aware of the danger and typically take precautions. Just like an electrician working on 480 VAC circuits takes precautions. The real difference is a battery is always live. Same with a solar panel in the sun. People who drive electric cars, operate industrial motors and have solar panels on their roof do not normally have worries about electrocution. Edited October 16, 2022 by Frank DuVal (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 It isn't the voltage that kills. It is the current. A six volt 90 amp car battery is more likely to kill than is a twelve volt 50 amp car battery. Secondary (high) voltage to your spark plugs is somewhere around four to ten thousand volts, however, the amperage is minimal and the duration (for each pulse!) is in the milliseconds. And Frank DV is right. One could sit on a major high voltage and high current power line, and not be harmed. As long as there is no pathway through your body to ground. If you can figure out a safe way to get there. Do NOT get between that same power line and the steel tower it is hung from. A "capacitive" discharge by inserting your body in the field between the power line and the tower also can kill! Electricity is funny stuff. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 So, the supposedly most eco friendly state in the union has figured out yet another way to add to the enormous amount of e-waste that is generated every year. Not only are they e-waste that contains harmful chemicals but some also contain small batteries that add to the e-waste problem. And let's not forget that ultimately this is just another money grab for the state with the highest taxes in the nation. 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 Electricity was never taught in schools I went to in the 50's and 60's, and I've had a lifetime of fear and avoidance of most things powered by it, still remember the smell of burning Lionel trains in the basement. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Wildeisen Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 Plate must go blank when car is off. Or battery would go dead over time. Lots of problems when trying to ID a parked car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 14 hours ago, Xander Wildeisen said: Plate must go blank when car is off. Or battery would go dead over time. Lots of problems when trying to ID a parked car. Plate stays legible when vehicle is off. Uses the same type of screen that some e-readers do where it only takes power to draw the screen but no power to retain the image. But there must be some type of small current draw at all times if the plate can automatically change the date for the registration and change messages at the bottom of the plate. One of my sisters has one of these plates and the message under the plate number changes from time to time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, zepher said: Plate stays legible when vehicle is off. Uses the same type of screen that some e-readers do where it only takes power to draw the screen but no power to retain the image. But there must be some type of small current draw at all times if the plate can automatically change the date for the registration and change messages at the bottom of the plate. One of my sisters has one of these plates and the message under the plate number changes from time to time. Who controls the message change? Will duct tape stick to it? Edited October 17, 2022 by 1937hd45 (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 4 minutes ago, 1937hd45 said: Who controls the message change? Will duct tape stick to it? I will save you the effort of clicking on the link at the beginning of this topic and reading the first paragraph: “and give users the option to change the plate's background color by toggling between a light or dark mode. Motorists can also personalize a banner message on the plate.” I strongly suspect that there is or will shortly be some controls about the words used in a personalized banner. I am not sure why you’d consider duct tape. . . If you spend the huge amount of optional dollars for the ability to have a personalized banner then why would you then duct tape over it? If you don’t want personalized banners then just go with the much cheaper standard plate. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 9 minutes ago, 1937hd45 said: Who controls the message change? Will duct tape stick to it? According to the article, there is an app available for your phone that can change the messages and manage your 'subscription'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 After my rant about electronics which I still stand behind, I kinda like these things. Not enough to pay that kind of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Wildeisen Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 How about with the engine off, and the key in the accessory position. The license plate acts like a reader board. Not only giving you problems with engine codes. But also explains the engine code. So you know what is wrong with your car. The code “URPL8NOWRK” means the plate needs to be replaced. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 Just the idea of an attached number plate digital or otherwise is primitive. Take a look at the monitoring capabilities of OBD3. https://straighttalkautomotive.com/articles/have-you-heard-of- obd-iii.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 Wait until some young punk's realize that by punching or kicking the plate will render it useless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC38dls Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 Next they will be able to tell if you crashed and the plate got broken or a camera will be in it to make sure you don’t kick it in. Then of course they will be able to monitor your speed and disable the car so they can issue the speeding ticket along with a ticket for stopping on the highway illegally. I’m sure we will be seeing bar codes so no one will be able to read the plates and then the personalized bar codes will cost a lot more and you will need a special device on your windshield to read them. If the bar code comes in they will be able to tax you more based on the miles you drive. They will be able to tell if you don’t drive it enough also so they can charge you a minimum road tax. George Orwell had no idea all of this was going to be possible when he wrote his futuristic book in 1949 or he would have had a much thicker book and a lot more interesting one. dave s ps- have I gone off the deep end? 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 1 hour ago, SC38dls said: ps- have I gone off the deep end? Not yet but your getting close Dave, your forgetting that those who have this plates are paying for this service, look at it as personalized plates for this generation, no more no less. 2 hours ago, 46 woodie said: Wait until some young punk's realize that by punching or kicking the plate will render it useless. Why would anyone even think of that? Just to even think of that is messed up 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 2 hours ago, 60FlatTop said: Just the idea of an attached number plate digital or otherwise is primitive. Take a look at the monitoring capabilities of OBD3. https://straighttalkautomotive.com/articles/have-you-heard-of- obd-iii.html That is some serious govt overreach, Big Brother kind of stuff. They want to be able to read codes on your vehicle remotely and pull you over and issue you a citation for having the MIL on in your car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drhach Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 Can you blank the plate when you drive through a traffic camera? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 John, the reason I brought that up was because a few years back, the big thing for kids in my area was to bend up license plates that weren't secured in all 4 corners. Just stupid kid pranks I guess. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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