That's right: California is looking into way to turn drivers' license plates into an advertising platform.

According to bill SB 1453, which passed without a dissenting vote on May 28, the DMV is authorized to partner with companies for R&D purposes aimed towards (and here I quote Gizmag): "the utilization of digital electronic license plates with specified areas of discussion and to conduct “real world” trials to gather data on the ability for DELP technology to deliver cost savings, workflow efficiencies and revenue generation."

Perfect. In shorthand, the state is looking to turn license plates into advertising platforms that electronically display ads when vehicles are stationary for more than four seconds, like in a traffic jam or while waiting at a stop light. Of course, legislators behind the bill argue the benefits of a wired plate: they could be used to broadcast emergency information, or traffic updates. But considering the desperate financial straits that lie behind the creation of this bill, I think we all know what those plates will really be used for: to give us the chance as we're stuck on the I-5 South to stare at yet another, miniaturized billboard for Toy Story 3, or one of Megan Fox modeling Emporio Armani underwear... actually, scratch that. I am fully behind this idea. We need more distracted drivers on our highways and byways.