[slowhand09]

I'm surprised my idea from 10 yrs ago hasn't been monetized. It was an lcd cover that could be made in license plate size, with a remote controller which could dim/darken/blackout the cover. Or in Deluxe mode, activate lines randomly which would result in a different number. Then again... somebody is out front in this technology space. https://www.newsweek.com/what-are-digital-license-plates-how...

[tmh88j]

I'm not surprised, it sounds illegal for the purpose you described. It's illegal just to own plate flipping devices without even using them in some states. Surely that would be too.

> A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence uses, purchases, possesses, manufactures, sells, offers to sell, or otherwise distributes a license plate flipper. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the person has previously been convicted of an offense under this subsection.

https://law.onecle.com/texas/transportation/504.947.html

[slowhand09]

My intended used was for parked vehicles. Not to avoid moving violations.

[tmh88j]

I'm sure whoever makes plate flippers claims the same intended use.

edit - Found some for motorcycles on ebay...."Ideal for track days/shows/meets etc.." along with "FOR OFF ROAD USE ONLY" on the listings.

[pol63]

I’m not. You’re describing a spectrum from a traffic ticket in some states (CA will cite you for darkening) to a misdemeanor or even a felony for falsifying or obscuring your license plate. Yes, you can still buy darkeners in the areas they’re illegal, but nobody is going to invest in developing a misdemeanor machine for sale. There’s a difference between a sheet of dark plastic and an engineered device.

The digital plates thought of this in their design. You can think of them as frontend UIs for your jurisdiction’s motor vehicle authority, even though a private company is working on them. They will snitch when your tags lapse, both visually and electronically (that’s their purpose), and won’t let you do what you’re proposing if they’re designed correctly.

[mellavora]

maybe because the device could subject both the buyer and the seller to criminal prosecution?

[green-salt]

I have seen a video of someone doing just this on a car. I'm not sure if it was a commercial product or if it was something they hacked together.