Smart Cards In Mexico

Mexico has accepted its first smart card driver licenses, which will act as a reliable ID document, but it also opens up the potential for additional e-schemes, like healthcare. The cool thing about this driver license is that is will securely store driver information, and it is difficult to copy or counterfeit.

Mexico bought the cards from Gemalto, and expects to take delivery of 900,000 driver licenses over a period of three years. The license is a chip-based document that shows that a specific person is entitled to drive a certain category of vehicle. The ID card has a microprocessor that securely stores a high-resolution image of the cardholder, his or her blood type, as well as the driver’s credentials to enable digital signature.

The ID card also contains a history of that driver’s fines, allowing transit authorities to monitor drivers’ behavior on the roads. In the future, it could be used for insurance companies to calculate policy costs. A fingerprint and facial image of the driver are encoded in the card body.

For a policeman on the street, a handheld terminal would be used to read the microprocessor, also showing on screen the digitalized picture stored on the chip. This enables transit authorities the ability to view fines and sanctions that apply to the driver and not the vehicle.

The ID card appears to be an efficient tool for public safety, allowing authorities to collect and share information about drivers with other public Mexican institutions. What makes it work is the ability to compare fingerprint and photos with the Justice Department.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.