NXP: RFID number plates with encrypted authentication ready for rollout in EU

NXP has completed a twelve month trial of IDePLATEs. The number plates are equipped with rfid chips for encrypted authentication of cars. According to the manufacturer, the chips are ready to be imported into Europe, but there are privacy concerns.

In addition to number plates, the windscreens of the hundred participating vehicles were provided with the chips. NXP held the test in Oirschot with military vehicles because of the large amount of metal that surrounds these cars and trucks. This disrupts the signal from the chips and NXP wanted to investigate how this can be prevented.

NXP used Ucode DNA to protect the signal. This technique encrypts the signal with 128-bit AES and works on the uhf frequencies 860MHz to 960MHz, which means that a relatively long distance can be achieved. According to NXP, the encrypted authentication functioned up to twelve meters and at speeds of 150 km/h.

The company expects that the technology will be used for, among other things, automatic payment for parking, registration of vehicles and traffic management with identification. The IDePLATEs could also play a role in combating crime, to prevent false and stolen license plates. In South America, electronic license plates are already being applied based on the results of the test.

According to NXP and the collaborating companies, the technology guarantees that chips can only be read with authorized scanners and the technology is now ready to be deployed in Europe. Last year, the police conducted tests with license plates with RFID chips, among other things to combat license plate fraud. Privacy objections have been raised against the introduction, including from Privacy First: “We see the system as the umpteenth attempt in a row to be able to fully register citizens in the public space, either via the public transport chip card, or via the license plate and/or car. .”