Criminals can pass on tickets to completely innocent drivers because they drive around with digital license plates that hide them from speed cameras.
New digital license plates, which are gaining popularity in some US states, are proving vulnerable to hacking. Something that could also prevent speed cameras.
These license plates, which replace the traditional metal plates with a digital display, can be manipulated so drivers can avoid parking stalls, toll booths and speed camera booths.
Security researchers have discovered that installing new software in the license plate holder can change the displayed registration number. Although this requires physical access to the car, the number can subsequently be changed remotely via a mobile app.
The manufacturer of the digital license plates, Reviver, acknowledges the problem but claims that it is "highly unlikely" that the technology is used by criminals.
However, the company has no way to prevent the installation of the fake software in older models.
"It's a big problem because there are now thousands of license plates with this problem, and you have to update the hardware to fix it," security researcher Josep Rodriquez told Wired .
Reviver states that future license plates will use a different type of hardware that prevents the problem.
Digital license plates that are already in use can be updated. However, this requires physical access to the car. As an extra security measure, the car owner will receive a notification if the license plate is removed from the car.
This is far from the first time that license plates have been used in criminal antics. However, some drivers are unaware that they are actually becoming criminals.
It's all because of one small sticker that many drivers like to 'decorate' both the front and rear license plates with. But since Danish license plates are state property, it is strictly forbidden to do anything with them. The penalty is also quite high. Read more about it here .
