The agreement, signed in Tegucigalpa on July 22, covers a three-and-a-half-year rollout that aims to replace the provisional paper permits that hundreds of thousands of Honduran drivers have been forced to rely on since 2023. A backlog of more than one million plates had built up in the country, leaving motorists without permanent metal registration.

Juan Carlos García, Minister of the Presidency and head of the Instituto de la Propiedad, signed on behalf of the Honduran government, while Lucía Mausen, Sales Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, represented Tönnjes. President Nasry Asfura and German Ambassador Daniela Vogl attended the ceremony as guests.

The project goes well beyond simply manufacturing plates. Tönnjes will construct a dedicated production facility in Honduras and deliver RFID security stickers alongside the plates themselves. These stickers, sometimes referred to as a “third plate,” are designed for windscreens on cars and headlamps on two-wheelers, providing an additional layer of vehicle authentication.

Each smart plate uses embedded RFID technology combined with digital authentication to allow real-time vehicle identification. A central digital platform will give authorities instant access to vehicle information, helping to combat counterfeiting and improve road safety. The technology is particularly well suited to countries tackling large-scale registration backlogs, where manual verification systems struggle to keep pace.

For Tönnjes, the Honduras contract reinforces the company’s growing presence in the Latin American market. The firm operates more than 50 locations worldwide, employs roughly 2,000 people, and works with governments in over 120 countries on secure vehicle identification systems. RFID-enabled licence plates have become a cornerstone of its product range, offering governments a way to digitise vehicle registries and reduce fraud.

The deal also highlights a broader trend across emerging markets, where governments are turning to RFID and smart plate technology to modernise ageing vehicle registration infrastructure. With nearly three million plates to produce and deploy, the Honduras project will be one of the most closely watched implementations in the sector over the coming years.

Read more at https://www.toennjes.com/en/news/honduras-introduces-smart-vehicle-licence-plates-from-toennjes/

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Introduced under the updated Mobility and Road Safety Law, commonly referred to as the \”Ley Casco\” (Helmet Law), the programme directly links motorcycle helmets to drivers’ licences and law enforcement databases. Its primary aim is to support vehicle verification and criminal investigations by making every tagged helmet traceable in real time.

Each identifier unit combines several layers of verification technology. Alongside a standard QR code and a unique encrypted identifier, the device includes a passive RFID chip with anti-cloning security features. Installation materials have been designed to preserve both the helmet manufacturer’s safety certification and the structural integrity of the shell, meaning riders will not need to worry about compromising their protection.

Why UHF? The Security Arch Question

While the Puebla government has not publicly disclosed the exact RFID frequency specification, the operational design of the system points strongly towards passive UHF RFID, most likely operating within the 860-960 MHz band commonly governed by the RAIN RFID standard (ISO 18000-63).

The critical clue lies in the infrastructure. The system integrates with the state’s existing network of \”arcos de seguridad\” (security arches), overhead gantry structures positioned along major highway corridors. These arches are designed to capture data from passing vehicles at normal traffic speeds without requiring motorcyclists to stop or slow down. This rules out HF (13.56 MHz) and NFC technology, which typically offer maximum read ranges of around one metre and would require near-contact scanning. LF tags, with even shorter ranges of roughly 10 centimetres, are similarly unsuitable.

Passive UHF RFID, by contrast, delivers read ranges of 3 to 12 metres, making it the only passive RFID frequency band capable of reliably reading a tag mounted on a helmet as a motorcycle passes beneath an overhead reader at speed. This is consistent with vehicle identification deployments worldwide, including electronic toll collection and national vehicle registry systems across Latin America.

Integration with C5 Command Infrastructure

The system ties directly into Puebla’s C5 command centre, the state’s centralised security and emergency coordination hub. As motorcycles pass through instrumented corridors, the RFID readers on security arches will capture each helmet’s unique identifier and cross-reference it against the driver’s licence database in real time. This gives law enforcement a tool for flagging stolen vehicles, identifying unregistered riders, and tracking motorcycles linked to criminal activity.

The Ministry of Public Safety is currently conducting operational trials across major traffic corridors to calibrate the readers and verify real-time data capture performance before the full rollout.

Enforcement on Hold During Rollout

Silvia Tanús, head of the Ministry of Mobility and Transportation, has emphasised that the programme is not a revenue-generation exercise. \”The purpose of the programme is not tax collection, but to have a tool that facilitates the identification of motorcycles involved in criminal acts and strengthens public safety efforts,\” she said.

No traffic citations or fines related to helmet identification will be issued during the initial distribution phase. Enforcement will remain suspended until the 40,000 devices have been distributed and all identifiers are fully linked to the driver’s licence database.

Distribution will expand through the 22 Centres for Innovation and Services once reader testing is complete, with the wider goal of covering the state’s entire motorcycle population over time.

Read more at https://mexicobusiness.news/automotive/news/puebla-launches-rfid-helmet-tags-motorcyclists

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How LF RFID Works

LF RFID systems operate within the 125 kHz to 134.2 kHz frequency band, with 125 kHz being the most widely adopted standard. At this frequency, electromagnetic waves have a relatively long wavelength, which gives LF RFID some distinctive physical characteristics.

The read range of LF RFID is typically limited to less than 10 centimetres. While this may seem like a limitation compared to HF or UHF alternatives, it is actually a deliberate advantage in many scenarios. A short, predictable read range means that tags are only detected when brought into close proximity with a reader, reducing the risk of unintended or accidental reads.

LF tags are predominantly passive, meaning they draw their operating power from the electromagnetic field generated by the reader. This eliminates the need for an on-board battery, keeping tags small, inexpensive, and virtually maintenance-free.

Why LF RFID Excels Near Metal and Water

One of the standout qualities of LF RFID is its resilience in challenging environments. Unlike higher-frequency RFID systems, which can suffer from signal reflection, absorption, or detuning when used near metal surfaces or in the presence of water, LF RFID performs reliably in both conditions.

The longer wavelength at 125 kHz is far less susceptible to interference from metals and liquids. This makes LF the preferred frequency for industrial settings, outdoor environments, and any application where tags may be exposed to moisture, mud, or metallic housings.

Key Applications of LF RFID

LF RFID technology is deeply embedded in several major sectors, each taking advantage of its ruggedness and dependable short-range performance.

Animal Tagging and Identification

LF RFID is the global standard for livestock and companion animal identification. Microchips implanted under the skin of pets, cattle, sheep, and horses operate at either 125 kHz or 134.2 kHz (the ISO 11784/11785 standard). These tiny glass transponders can last the lifetime of the animal, providing a permanent and tamper-proof form of identification. Farmers and veterinarians use handheld LF readers to scan animals quickly, supporting traceability, health records, and regulatory compliance.

Access Control

Proximity cards and key fobs used in building access systems are among the most familiar LF RFID applications. Technologies such as HID Prox and EM4100 operate at 125 kHz, enabling employees and residents to unlock doors by holding a card near a wall-mounted reader. The short read range is ideal here, as it ensures that only the card presented at the reader is authenticated, preventing cross-reads from nearby cardholders.

Automotive Immobilisers

Nearly every modern vehicle uses an LF RFID transponder embedded in the ignition key or key fob as part of its immobiliser system. When the key is inserted or brought close to the steering column, the vehicle’s reader energises the transponder and verifies its unique code. If the code does not match, the engine will not start. This passive, battery-free approach to vehicle security has dramatically reduced car theft rates worldwide since its widespread adoption in the late 1990s.

LF RFID: Still Relevant in a High-Frequency World

Despite the growth of NFC, UHF, and other wireless technologies, LF RFID continues to thrive in niches where its core strengths matter most. Its tolerance of metal and water, combined with a reliable and secure short-range read, makes it difficult to replace in animal identification, physical access control, and automotive security.

For organisations evaluating RFID solutions, understanding where LF fits into the broader frequency landscape is essential. It may not offer the speed or range of its higher-frequency counterparts, but when the application demands ruggedness, simplicity, and close-range precision, 125 kHz technology delivers.

The post What is LF RFID? Understanding 125 kHz Technology first appeared on RFID News.

The province indicator on Sri Lankan number plates was originally introduced during the country’s civil war as a tool for law enforcement to trace the origin of vehicles. The system was designed to work in conjunction with RFID technology, allowing police to scan plates and quickly verify vehicle data. On paper, it was a sensible approach to improving road safety and security during a turbulent period.

However, the reality told a very different story. During a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance, DMT officials admitted that the Police Department never possessed the necessary hardware to read the RFID chips embedded in the plates. Without functioning readers at checkpoints or in patrol vehicles, the entire system was rendered useless from the outset. It was a technology rollout with no practical implementation on the ground.

The failure highlights a recurring problem with government RFID deployments worldwide: investing in one half of the equation while neglecting the other. Embedding RFID tags into millions of number plates is pointless if the agencies expected to use the data lack the scanners, training, and infrastructure to do so. The Sri Lankan case is a textbook example of poor coordination between departments and a lack of end-to-end project planning.

DMT officials pointed to a secondary reason for discontinuing the system, noting that the public had been paying inflated sums for specified number plates. But the core issue remains the gap between the technology deployed and the resources allocated to make it functional.

When pressed on how vehicles are currently identified without the province indicator or RFID capability, DMT officials conceded that “vehicles cannot be identified in such a manner” any longer. The Police Department, for its part, argued the system is no longer necessary given the absence of armed conflict in the country. That justification does little to address the wasted expenditure.

Harsha de Silva, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance, did not mince words, calling the initiative “a total waste of public finance.” His criticism centred on the fact that the DMT had rolled out technology that the Police Department could never operationalize, a failure of inter-agency coordination that left taxpayers footing the bill for a system that never worked.

For the broader RFID industry, Sri Lanka’s experience serves as a cautionary tale. Successful vehicle tracking and identification projects require not just the tags and the plates, but a complete ecosystem of readers, software, trained personnel, and ongoing maintenance. Without that full commitment, even well-intentioned deployments are destined to fail.

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RAIN Alliance, the non-profit industry body supporting the adoption of standards-based UHF RFID (also known as RAIN RFID), says the masterclass will tackle the technical challenges of embedding RAIN tags into tyres before moving into wider discussions around optimised lifecycle management in both manufacturing and active operations.

“We are excited to bring together participants from across the tyres value chain to explore real-world use cases and implementation strategies for RAIN tags in tyres,” said Aileen Ryan, President and CEO of RAIN Alliance. “Professionals across the entire tyre industry are welcome, as we explore how RAIN technology can create significant value and drive improved innovation, compliance and sustainability outcomes.”

The global tyre sector is under growing pressure to strengthen traceability in order to meet evolving regulatory demands and support the shift towards circular economy models. RAIN RFID is positioned as a foundational technology for enabling traceability throughout the full lifecycle of a tyre, from initial manufacturing and distribution through to use, retreading and end-of-life recycling.

Attendees at the masterclass will learn how RAIN RFID can be used to identify, locate, authenticate and engage with individual tyres while accessing core composition and origin data. The event will also look at how digital twin data is delivering real-time insights that power advanced business analytics, unlock new service-based revenue streams and create value across the tyre ecosystem.

Day two of the programme shifts focus to the practical benefits of tyre traceability for ecosystem partners, with dedicated sessions covering fleet management, safety and compliance, tyre service accuracy and efficiency, retreading and optimisation, end-of-life traceability and recycling, data access and interoperability, and hands-on guidance for embedding RAIN tags at industrial scale.

“As the tyres ecosystem continues to develop, RAIN Alliance will continue to provide both its members and the wider community with vendor-neutral expert insight to help develop the next generation of tyre technology,” Ryan added.

The masterclass is collocated with the GDSO Founding Workshop on 21 May, which will explore commercial use cases and active pilots for tyre electronic identification in North America. A further Tyres Masterclass is planned for later in the year in Korea.

Read more at https://therainalliance.org/tyres-mc-in-person/

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The partnership brings two integrated digital solutions to one of the country’s busiest road corridors. The first is a Service and Penalty Management platform that replaces manual cash-based workflows with a fully automated system for processing traffic fines, road service fees, and other charges. The second is the TOLO Mini App, an RFID-integrated feature within the telebirr SuperApp that allows drivers to top up their Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) accounts and pass through toll gates without stopping.

How the RFID toll system works

Drivers register their vehicles and link them to their telebirr accounts through the TOLO Mini App. Each vehicle is fitted with a UHF RFID tag, and upon registration the tag ID, toll card ID, and number plate are all digitally linked in the system. When a vehicle approaches a toll gate, the RFID reader detects the tag from a distance, deducts the applicable fee from the linked telebirr balance, and grants immediate passage. No stopping, no cash, no queuing.

The Mini App also supports fleet management, allowing a single account holder to manage up to ten vehicles and process top-ups on behalf of other drivers. This flexibility makes the system practical not just for private motorists but for logistics operators and commercial fleet managers using the expressway regularly.

Replacing manual processes with automation

Before this system was introduced, ETRE relied on physical cash handling, manual bank transfers, and manual data entry into ERP systems. That approach created predictable problems: congestion at toll booths, revenue leakage, and a high risk of errors or fraud. The new platform addresses all of these directly.

The Service and Penalty Management component covers payments for overweight vehicle violations, unauthorised expressway entry, property damage fees, tow crane and tipper services, and vehicle parking charges. Management teams now have access to a real-time dashboard with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), giving centralised visibility over all revenue streams and improving accountability across the board.

Part of a broader digital strategy

The launch is positioned as a contribution to Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 roadmap, with Ethio telecom using its telebirr SuperApp platform as the backbone for both services. Telebirr already has a substantial user base across the country, which is expected to support rapid adoption of the digital toll and payment features without requiring users to install separate applications.

For the RFID industry, the deployment is a solid example of UHF RFID being applied at scale in a developing market, integrated directly with a mobile payment platform rather than relying on dedicated hardware or card-based systems. It also demonstrates the growing appetite for frictionless, contactless payment infrastructure in African transport networks.

The Addis Ababa-Adama expressway is one of the most heavily trafficked routes in Ethiopia, and the efficiencies gained here could lay the groundwork for rolling out similar systems on other toll roads across the country.

Read more at https://www.ethiotelecom.et/ethio-telecom-and-etre-unveiled-an-rfid-powered-toll-payment-system-and-a-service-penalty-payment-platform-powered-by-telebirr-enabling-seamless-expressway-mobility/

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The deployment features TransCore’s Roadside Toll Collection System (RTCS), which uses UHF RFID transponder reads and Single-Angle License Plate Recognition (SALPR) cameras to identify vehicles at highway speeds without the need for toll booths or barriers. Radar detection systems monitor traffic flow in real time, feeding data into the dynamic pricing engine that adjusts toll rates based on congestion levels across both express and general-purpose lanes. The goal is straightforward: keep the express lanes moving at reliable speeds while maximizing throughput across the entire corridor.

The 69Express Lanes are divided into two dynamically priced segments in each direction. Toll rates rise and fall throughout the day, responding to actual traffic volumes rather than following a fixed schedule. Dynamic message signs display current pricing to drivers before they commit to entering the express lanes, while closed-circuit television systems provide visual monitoring for incident management and enforcement.

Bruce Meisch, KTA’s Director of Technology, said the system improves both Kansas transportation and quality of life for Overland Park residents. TransCore President and CEO Whitt Hall called the deployment a significant milestone for Kansas, noting it reinforces a decades-long partnership between the two organizations.

TransCore’s role extends well beyond the initial deployment. The company will provide ongoing image review services for video-based toll transactions, handling cases where a vehicle passes through without a valid RFID transponder read and must be identified by license plate. System maintenance falls under a seven-year base contract, with two optional three-year extensions that could keep TransCore involved through 2039.

The 69Express project highlights how modern RFID-based tolling infrastructure continues to evolve. By combining UHF RFID transponder technology with license plate recognition, radar sensing, and real-time pricing algorithms, TransCore has delivered a system that balances driver choice with corridor performance. For Kansas, it is a first step into managed lanes, and the technology stack is built to scale if the model proves successful on other routes.

Read more at https://transcore.com/transcores-tolling-technology-powers-kansas-69express-lanes.html

The post TransCore’s RFID Tolling Powers Kansas’ 69Express Lanes first appeared on RFID News.

The tests covered Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) using an overhead RFID gantry, Single-Lane Free Flow (SLFF) with a gantry-mounted configuration, and Multi-Lane Free Flow using Kathrein’s InLane reader. Together, these scenarios represent the core deployment models used in modern electronic toll collection (ETC) systems worldwide.

At the heart of the testing were two of Kathrein’s fixed UHF RFID readers, the RRU 7700 and RRU 7800, paired with newly optimised antenna configurations. The antenna setups are based on the WiRa 40° PRO and WiRa 25° 35° PRO platforms, both designed specifically for the demands of multi-lane tolling environments where reliable read performance across wide carriageways is critical.

Kathrein also put its new generation of security transponders through their paces. These transponders are built to be detectable at vehicle speeds of up to 200 km/h, a requirement that reflects the realities of high-speed motorway tolling where even brief gaps in read reliability can result in lost revenue or enforcement failures.

Perhaps the most notable piece of hardware under test was the InLane Reader. Unlike conventional overhead gantry readers, this unit is designed for installation below the road surface. It features an integrated antenna with selectively switchable, orthogonally aligned beams in four directions. This allows it to read IDePLates, which are license plates with integrated RFID transponders, while also determining the direction of vehicle travel. The ability to distinguish travel direction is particularly valuable in complex toll zone configurations where vehicles may enter and exit from multiple points.

ITS certification is a significant milestone for any toll collection hardware manufacturer. It demonstrates that equipment meets the interoperability and performance standards required for deployment in national and international tolling schemes. For Kathrein, passing these tests with both gantry and in-road reader configurations positions the company to supply a full range of RFID-based toll solutions.

The Eberswalde testing highlights the continued evolution of UHF RFID technology in the intelligent transport systems sector. As countries expand and modernise their tolling infrastructure, the demand for readers, antennas, and transponders that can operate reliably at highway speeds and across multiple lanes continues to grow. Kathrein’s latest hardware appears well suited to meet that demand.

The post Kathrein RFID Solutions Tests ITS Certification at Eberswalde Airport first appeared on RFID News.

The press release outlines Toyo Tires’ work to embed RFID functionality into tyres, enabling each product to carry a unique digital identity. Unlike traditional visual markings or barcodes, RFID allows tyres to be identified automatically and without line of sight. This capability is particularly valuable in environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, vehicle assembly lines, and service depots, where large volumes of tyres must be tracked accurately and efficiently.

One of the primary drivers behind this development is the need for improved traceability throughout the tyre lifecycle. By using RFID, Toyo Tires can associate each tyre with detailed production data, including manufacturing location, specifications, and batch information. This data can then be accessed at later stages, supporting quality control, inventory management, and aftersales processes. In the event of a quality issue or recall, RFID enables faster and more precise identification of affected products, reducing operational disruption and improving safety outcomes.

The initiative also aligns with increasing regulatory and environmental requirements. As governments and industry bodies place greater emphasis on product traceability and responsible disposal, RFID provides a reliable mechanism for tracking tyres from production through to recycling. Tyres present a significant environmental challenge at end of life, and improved identification supports more effective collection, sorting, and recycling processes. RFID data can help confirm tyre origin and composition, making downstream processing more efficient and transparent.

From a logistics perspective, RFID offers clear advantages over manual or barcode based systems. Automated reading reduces human error and speeds up processes such as goods receipt, stock counts, and shipment verification. For large scale tyre manufacturers like Toyo Tires, even small improvements in operational efficiency can translate into significant cost savings and service improvements across global supply chains.

The press release also highlights the importance of interoperability and standards. By developing RFID enabled tyres that can integrate with existing industry systems, Toyo Tires is positioning the technology as a practical, scalable solution rather than a closed or proprietary approach. This is critical for adoption across diverse markets, including original equipment manufacturers, distributors, fleet operators, and service providers.

Beyond immediate operational benefits, RFID opens the door to future innovation. Tyre identification data can be linked with digital platforms to support predictive maintenance, usage analysis, and performance optimisation. For fleet operators, this creates opportunities to better manage tyre wear, improve safety, and reduce total cost of ownership. For manufacturers, it provides valuable insights into how products perform in real world conditions.

Toyo Tires’ RFID initiative indicates how established manufacturing sectors are embracing digital technologies to modernise product management and supply chains. By embedding RFID into tyres, the company is laying the groundwork for improved traceability, stronger compliance, and more sustainable lifecycle management. As RFID adoption continues to expand across the automotive industry, initiatives like this highlight the role of digital identification as a core enabler of smarter, more connected products.

See the Toyo Tyres press release here

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Under the new directive, all mineral transport vehicles must be equipped with GPS tracking devices and RFID tags. These technologies will work together to provide continuous visibility of vehicle movement, enabling authorities to monitor routes, loading points, and delivery destinations in near real time. By combining location tracking with unique vehicle identification, the government intends to create a robust digital framework for managing mineral logistics.

RFID plays a critical role in this system by providing reliable, automated identification of vehicles as they pass through checkpoints, toll points, and weighbridges. Unlike manual checks or paper permits, RFID allows vehicles to be verified instantly without stopping, reducing congestion while ensuring that only authorised vehicles are transporting mineral loads. When integrated with GPS data, this creates a detailed audit trail that links vehicle identity, location, and movement history.

The mandate is part of a wider effort to curb revenue leakage caused by illegal mining and under reported mineral transport. By ensuring that every authorised vehicle is digitally tracked, the government can more accurately reconcile transported volumes with issued permits and royalty payments. This data driven approach supports fairer enforcement and helps protect legitimate operators from unfair competition.

From an operational standpoint, the introduction of GPS and RFID is expected to streamline compliance for transporters who follow the rules. Automated verification reduces the need for repeated manual inspections and paperwork, allowing vehicles to move more efficiently through the supply chain. Over time, this can lower operational delays while improving trust between regulators and industry participants.

The environmental dimension is also significant. Unregulated mineral extraction and transport can cause substantial environmental damage, including land degradation and pollution. Improved monitoring helps authorities identify suspicious activity more quickly and intervene before large scale harm occurs. Accurate tracking data can also support better planning and enforcement of environmentally sensitive zones.

The government has made it clear that the 26 January deadline will be strictly enforced. Vehicles that fail to comply risk penalties, restrictions, or exclusion from authorised mineral transport activities. This firm timeline underlines the seriousness of the initiative and signals a strong commitment to modernising mineral governance through technology.

This mandate demonstrates how RFID and GPS technologies are being adopted as essential infrastructure for regulated transport and resource management. By combining real-time tracking with automated identification, the Jammu and Kashmir government is taking a significant step towards greater accountability, efficiency, and sustainability in the mineral transport sector.

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