PHOENIX - License plates are getting a high tech makeover, going digital, and Arizona is taking part.
The company Reviver Auto has created digital license plates, and the Arizona Department of Transportation is testing them out on 12 of its vehicles.
"This is a much different looking plate than the current plate. It's monochromatic. I would compare it to an Amazon screen, tablet or iPad," said Doug Nick, a spokesperson for the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department.
The new plates could help in the event of an emergency — helping police track a stolen vehicle or help with Amber Alerts.
The new plates could also potentially make it easier to pay for vehicle registration without going to the MVD.
However, Nick stresses, at this point, the plates are only being tested by ADOT.
"ADOT, we're not shy about letting people know about innovations. So stay tuned. If it's something worthwhile, we'll explore it further. But if we find that the capabilities don't really match our needs, we'll call it good, but that's an open question at this point," said Nick.
The testing phase is open-ended at this point, with no end date. Once the testing phase is finished, ADOT would then decide whether they want to permit Arizona drivers to use these plates on Valley roads.