PennDOT launches program testing digital license plates
License plates, PennDOT

PennDOT launches program testing digital license plates


As vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced inside, the testing of external features is becoming more common.

PennDOT began testing digital license plates in a recently launched 18-month pilot program.

There are several goals of the digital license plates, including keeping people and communities safe by assisting emergency crews in locating crashes faster and helping police track down stolen vehicles.

The license plate can display messages, such as an amber alert, that the vehicle is stolen, or a general violation that needs to be addressed or followed up on.

Currently in the testing phase, there are no plans to make the digital license plates mandatory and—like the few other states who have tested—would only be discussed as an option. With that said, it is not likely that we will see a big switch at this point.

PennDOT is still testing the durability, how long they last, the visibility and exploring all available technology options.

There are a lot of potential benefits to digital license plates, however there will most likely be some controversy around making them mandatory.

We will keep you updated with any developments.

Written by carolynsnotary - August 15, 2019