License plate reader laws are set by states, because no federal law governs local police use. Reports in 2026 count between 12 and 21 states with ALPR-specific laws, which usually set retention limits, permitted uses, sharing rules, audit records and public-policy requirements. Texas and Florida acted by executive order in August 2026. Always check the current statute or order for your state.
The landscape of license plate reader laws
There is no federal statute that governs how local police use license plate readers, so the rules come from states, cities and individual agency policies. Counts of states with ALPR-specific laws vary by source and date: reports in 2026 range from at least 12 to 21 states, depending on what a tracker counts. The laws that exist tend to cover the same handful of questions.
| Topic | What laws commonly set |
|---|---|
| Retention | How long reads may be kept (examples below range from 21 days to several months) and whether evidence is exempt. |
| Permitted uses | Limits to criminal investigations, missing persons and alerts such as stolen vehicles, and prohibitions on other uses. |
| Sharing | Who data may be shared with, whether out-of-state or federal agencies are covered, and written agreements or declarations. |
| Warrants and vendors | Whether a warrant is needed to obtain data held by private vendors. |
| Audits and logs | Records of who searched the data and for how long they must be kept. |
| Notice and policy | Written public policies and public comment before a program starts. |
State snapshots
| Jurisdiction | What has been reported | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| California | Civil Code §1798.90.5 et seq. requires a written usage and privacy policy, public comment before implementation and limits on sharing by public agencies. | California law explained |
| Virginia | 2025 law caps retention at 21 days and limits permitted uses. Before it, no state law governed the devices. | Virginia law explained |
| Washington | The 2026 Driver Privacy Act (SB 6002) reportedly sets a 21-day destruction rule, two-year access records and warrant requirements for vendor data. | Washington law explained |
| Illinois | 625 ILCS 5/2-130 limits sharing with out-of-state agencies and requires confidentiality. Summaries say it sets no statewide retention period. | Illinois law explained |
| Connecticut | Reported to limit retention to 21 days unless the data is needed for a legitimate law-enforcement purpose. | Check the statute |
| New Mexico | A 2026 law (SB 40) reportedly prohibits sharing ALPR data for immigration enforcement or reproductive-health-care investigations. | Check the statute |
| Vermont and Utah | Reported retention limits of 30 days (Vermont) and nine months (Utah). Sources are secondary summaries. | Check the statutes |
| Maine and New Hampshire | Described by one advocacy group as restricting ALPR use; other trackers count more states. | Check the statutes |
| Texas and Florida | Acted by executive measures in August 2026, not statutes: Florida’s transportation department ordered readers off state highway right-of-way, and the Texas governor paused state funding. Sources differ on details and dates. | Check current orders |
| Missouri | The governor issued an executive order on how readers may be used, according to a 2026 summary. | Check the order |
How to check your state and city
- Find the statute. Search your state legislature’s website for “automated license plate reader” and “license plate recognition,” and read the definitions first.
- Check recent changes. Several states changed their laws in 2025 and 2026. Look for bills enacted this year and for executive orders.
- Read local rules. Cities and counties may add ordinances or surveillance-technology approval requirements.
- Ask counsel. Have your agency’s attorney review your policy against current law before launch and after any change.
- Make your vendor accountable. Ask how the system enforces retention, sharing limits and audit logs so you can prove compliance.
Then use our policy and data-retention guide to turn those rules into a written policy.
Private operators are not always exempt
Many laws apply to government agencies only, but some cover private operators. California’s statute, for example, defines an ALPR operator as a person who operates a system, which can include private organizations. Homeowners’ associations, parking operators and businesses should not assume they are exempt. See HOA license plate readers and license plate recognition for parking.
Frequently asked questions
Are license plate readers legal?
Use by law enforcement is common and generally legal, but states and cities set rules on retention, sharing and permitted uses, and some have tightened them recently. Check current law with your agency’s counsel.
Which states have license plate reader laws?
Counts vary. Reports in 2026 range from at least 12 to 21 states, including California, Virginia, Washington, Illinois, Connecticut and New Mexico. See the table above and confirm each in the statute.
Which states limit how long data can be kept?
Examples reported include Connecticut (21 days), Virginia (21 days), Washington (21 days, reported) and Vermont (30 days). Retention rules differ and change, so check the statute.
Do license plate reader laws apply to HOAs and businesses?
Some do. California’s law applies to “operators,” which can include private organizations. Ask counsel before installing readers on private property.
Where can I read my state’s law?
On your state legislature’s website. Search for “automated license plate reader” and read the definitions first. The National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice also track these laws.