State lawmakers propose guardrails to limit the sharing of license plate camera data
State lawmakers propose guardrails to limit the sharing of license plate camera data
Publish Date: 2026-06-04 11:32:00
Source Domain: www.wthitv.com
Widespread networks of automated license plate surveillance cameras that create reams of data used to track motorists are under increasing scrutiny by lawmakers and privacy advocates.
Lawmakers in 35 states have proposed nearly 100 pieces of legislation this year regarding license-plate readers — many seeking to prohibit states from sharing or selling years of data that could be used to extensively track drivers, according to research conducted using BillTrack50, a legislative tracking service.
These scanners and cameras can be found on roadsides, traffic lights and on police cars.
Criticism of the equipment has risen sharply in the wake of its use by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But critics also say it can be used for tracking people who cross state lines for abortions or gender-affirming care.
Dillon Reisman, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union in New Jersey, said everyone, not just members of vulnerable communities, should be worried about the issue.
He said data from license plate readers can help ICE and other agencies create a detailed picture of someone’s life: where they work, where they worship, what healthcare they receive and where they socialize. The information is stored for three years in New Jersey.
“Retaining it for a longer period of time only increases the intrusion on someone’s privacy,” Reisman said.
When multiple law enforcement agencies can access that data, the threat to privacy is magnified.
“When that data is shared with ICE, it gives ICE and other federal authorities the power to search through license plate reader data for up to three years and learn someone’s patterns, history and whereabouts,” he said.
But advocates for the automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems say they are powerful tools to assist law enforcement and make communities safer.
“ALPR is a double-edged sword that has helped catch some very bad people,” said Republican Indiana state Sen. Blake Doriot.
He voted…
