High-tech digital license plates now available for Arizona drivers

PHOENIX – Arizona drivers are among the first in the nation to be offered high-tech license plates that can display alerts if a vehicle is stolen.

The digital Rplates, which were created by Reviver Auto, were tested by the Arizona Department of Transportation before being cleared for use.

ADOT worked with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to make sure the plates met the state’s legal requirements.

“Having gone through all that process, the manufacturer is ready to take pre-orders, and we’re just announcing that the technology is authorized to be used for those who want it,” Doug Nick, ADOT Motor Vehicle Department spokesman, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

The plates currently are available only in Arizona and California, with Florida and Texas lined up for later in the year.

The Reviver website is currently accepting pre-orders, and the plates will be mailed out this spring. The RPlate Essential costs $499, while the Rplate Pro runs $799.

Both versions come with a backlit HD display, plate customization and personalized messages. The Pro features advanced telematics.

Shipping and a 12-month subscription are included in the price for both, and additional year subscriptions cost $99.

Professional installation is necessary for the weatherproof, tamperproof devices and may require an additional fee.

The prices are determined by the manufacturer. The state Motor Vehicle Division doesn’t sell them or make any money off their sale.

The plates are actually wireless LTE devices similar to tablet computers. They constantly show the license plate number and have the capacity to display alerts such as “invalid” and “stolen” that could be useful for law enforcement.

“That’s a real additive in terms of the technology, and it may be something that years down the road becomes commonplace, and we’re seeing the initial aspect of it now,” Nick said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Madison Spence contributed to this report.

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