Maryland DOT Tests Digital License Plates

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) will test digital license plate technology during a two-year pilot. The plates, manufactured by Reviver, are being tested on 20 MDOT MVA fleet vehicles and two Maryland Transportation Authority vehicles.

Reviver's digital license plate, the Rplate, can be updated electronically. Instead of placing a sticker on a tag when renewing a vehicle registration, for instance, the Rplate can be updated automaticallyto display the new registration information. Digital tags also have the potential to display real-time information such as Amber Alerts, or when the vehicle is reported stolen.

“At MDOT MVA, we are constantly evaluating emerging technologies in the transportation industry to find innovative ideas that could benefit our customers,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer in a statement. “We are excited about the digital plate pilot and the potential of this technology to pave the way for additional customer convenience.”

Maryland is the fourth state to conduct this type of pilot program with Reviver, which is providing the test plates at no cost to the state. Digital license plates are currently not legal in Maryland, but California, Michigan, and Arizona do allow motorists to use them in place of traditional plates.