What is license plate reader technology?

Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) capture computer-readable images of license plates. These high-tech devices allow law enforcement agencies to compare plate numbers against those of stolen cars or cars driven by people suspected of being involved in criminal or terrorist activities.

How much does Alpr cost?

ALPR uses cameras and alphanumeric recognition software for reading license plates as vehicles pass by. The cost estimate assumes that the cost of each camera is $20,000; a cost which was obtained from private ALPR manufacturers.

How do license plate reader cameras work?

At night the cameras use infrared technology to capture images and process information like license plate numbers and the makes and models of vehicles. The cameras are solar-powered and use cellular networks to communicate with law enforcement officials.

How accurate are license plate readers?

“The license plate detection accuracy rate should be 98\% or higher,” said Normington. “The plates that you miss could be on vehicles driven by wanted criminals, child abductors or even Public Enemy No.

Why do police use license plate readers?

License plate readers can serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose when they alert police to the location of a car associated with a criminal investigation. But such instances account for a tiny fraction of license plate scans, and too many police departments are storing millions of records about innocent drivers.

Is ALPR legal?

Any person or entity in California, including public agencies, that deploys automated license plate readers (ALPR) or accesses ALPR data must post a privacy and usage policy online under a new state law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

Can ring camera read license plate?

Amazon subsidiary Ring, which has partnerships with almost 1,200 law enforcement agencies nationwide, does not currently include facial recognition or license plate scanning tools in its home surveillance line of consumer products.

Is Alpr legal?

How do you avoid license plate readers?

Using a PhotoBlocker Spray No photo blocker product must be applied on your plates to avoid obscuring them. Suppose you spray PhotoBlocker or related product on your license plate, and a camera snapped a photo of it that has a glare.

What cities use Alpr?

Local Government ALPR Policies

• Bay Area Rapid Transit.
• Central Marin Police Authority.
• California Air Resources Board.
• City and County of San Francisco District Attorney, Police.
• City of Alameda.
• City of Alhambra.
• City of American Canyon.
• City of Anaheim.