Maryland to test new digital license plate technology

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Maryland is launching a two-year pilot program to test new digital license plate technology.

The digital plates would be similar in size to traditional metal plates but would have an electronic display. Instead of placing a manual sticker on a tag when renewing vehicle registration, digital plates would update electronically. They would also have the potential to display real-time information like Amber Alerts and could even display an alert if the vehicle being driven is reported stolen.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration says it's working with Reviver, a digital license plate manufacturer, to test its Rplate on 20 of their fleet vehicles. Officials say the new plates will also be tested on two Maryland Transportation Authority vehicles.

Maryland is the fourth state to conduct this type of pilot program with Reviver. California, Michigan and Arizona are already allowing motorists to use digital license plates in place of traditional plates. Maryland officials say Reviver is providing the test plates at no cost to the state.