State lawmakers nationwide are increasingly focused on regulating automated license plate readers (ALPRs), aiming to balance public safety uses with privacy and civil liberties concerns. This legislative attention comes as the technology advances and instances of misuse are reported, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reported.
ALPRs have been used by police for over two decades, capturing license plate data, time, date, and location. Advances in AI and data storage have expanded their capabilities, leading to calls for clearer rules.
What are the concerns about ALPRs?
For drivers, the main concern is how their data is collected, stored, and used. While ALPRs are primarily investigative tools for law enforcement, identifying stolen vehicles, individuals with warrants, or missing persons, the technology's expanded capabilities have led to privacy worries. Misuse by officers has also been a significant issue.
- A Washington Post analysis found at least 50 law enforcement officers were charged with or accused of using ALPRs for unauthorized purposes, including stalking.
- A state audit revealed federal immigration authorities accessed camera data in violation of state law.
- Disciplinary records show officers tracking people they knew personally.
- Wrongful felony stops have occurred due to misread plates.
- Legal challenges are questioning whether warrantless queries of camera networks constitute a Fourth Amendment search.
These incidents highlight the potential for personal data collected by ALPRs to be misused, impacting individual privacy and civil liberties. Drivers should be aware that their vehicle's movements could be recorded and stored, even if they are not suspected of any wrongdoing.
What are states doing to regulate ALPRs?
The policy landscape for ALPRs is evolving rapidly. While New Hampshire enacted the first ALPR law in 2007, recent technological advancements and reported misconduct have spurred new legislative action.
In 2026 alone:
- Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington all passed new laws regulating ALPR use.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott blocked state funding for ALPR cameras.
- Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed an executive order to establish safeguards.
- Florida's transportation department banned ALPR cameras on state highways.
- Many local officials nationwide have opted not to renew contracts with ALPR vendors.
As of last month, at least 28 states have laws specifically regulating ALPR systems. These laws vary but generally focus on greater oversight, dictating how ALPR systems are used, how long data is retained, and what safeguards must be in place. This trend indicates a growing recognition among lawmakers that clear rules are needed to protect public confidence while allowing law enforcement to use the technology responsibly.
Drivers can stay informed about the presence of ALPRs and other surveillance cameras by checking the FlockDetour map. As state policies continue to develop, understanding local regulations and how they impact your data is increasingly important.