The designers took a very obvious technology and adapted it to the situation: RFID.  This technology is already in use for short-distance reading of passports, transportation ticketing, retail and many other applications.  In this instance, there is the extra problem of communication distance – the rear wheels of a truck might be 10m or more from the controller. 

One of the side benefits was that innately, RFID uses uniquely serialised chips – no two RFID tags share the same ID number.

Now do you see the problem? 

Allow me to explain.  Firstly, recall two critical pieces of information – “10m communication distance” and “unique serial numbers.”

We all know that passports can be read from a considerable distance to the detriment of the holder.  TPMS is just the same.  Let me summarise a few scenarios that have been outlined by a variety of bloggers. 

Imagine embedding RFID sensors at regular intervals in the road.  Speeders won’t have a chance; neither can they obscure where they’ve been.  Unlike GPS, you can’t simply turn it off.  And obscuring your number plate won’t help either!

What if a “bad guy” knows your TPMS ID numbers?  He suddenly has a much easier time tracking you, or alternately being able to wait for you to go by a particular point.  One blogger even offered the possibility of a road-side bomb being triggered by the victim’s own vehicle.

Are the limited benefits (1/15th litre per day) and a slight reduction in accidents (only if you never check your tyre pressure) worth the privacy trade-off?

As they say, may you live in interesting times.