What Do License Plate Reader Cameras Do?

Traffic Monitoring Cameras

License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras originated in Europe where it is called Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). In North America, they are called “license plates” instead of “number plates”.  Mobile ALPR is a vehicle-mounted solution primarily used by law enforcement, asset recovery (stolen vehicles), and parking management.  Fixed ALPR cameras are mounted on traffic poles and used for law enforcement and asset recovery.

Here are the laws in 50 States regulating automatic license plate readers.

Speed Radar Sign Locations

Speed Radar Sign Locations

We are now tracking speed radar signs like the picture above. Please add locations to the map database of speed radar camera signs and tag the entry as "speed radar sign".  Which states allow speed cameras?

License Plate Reading Camera Locations

License Plate Reader Cameras

A lot of drivers get confused about the different types of cameras being used.  Drivers often confuse traffic cameras (located on the top of traffic lights) with red light cameras (located on the side of the road).  These cameras are license plate readers and are using track vehicles and are not used to enforced speeding or red-light running.  

The use of license plate reading cameras is rapidly on the rise.  If you would like to read more about them see this Arstechnica article.    

We recently started a new category (license plate camera) in our database to track license plate reading cameras simply to minimize the confusion about the different types of cameras with our readers.  We get hundreds of erroneous red light cameras locations submitted to our database every month.  When in fact these locations are license plate but most likely traffic flow monitoring cameras. Having a new category of cameras we track in the database should help minimize driver confusion. 

Read also our articles on traffic flow cameras.    

Mobile Speed Cameras Cities Using Near Schools

Map of Cities & Counties Using Mobile Speed Zone Cameras

Search the map for "mobile" and you will get an updated list.   Which states allow speed cameras?