New Database Tracking Cancelations of License Plate Reader Contracts

Institute for Justice: “As backlash grows against the warrantless use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras throughout the country, local governments are increasingly deciding to end their use of these cameras. Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) unveiled a new database tracking local governments that have canceled or not renewed contracts with ALPR providers since the beginning of 2025. “Local governments have good reasons to want to stem the proliferation of these mass surveillance tools,” said IJ Attorney Michael Soyfer. “Rather than narrowly target criminals, ALPRs collect troves of data on ordinary people’s movements and compile them in a database officers can freely access on demand. That has predictably led to widespread abuse, which will continue until we implement robust safeguards like a warrant requirement.” This is IJ’s second database related to ALPRs. The other, published earlier this year, tracks police misuse of ALPRs for purposes including romantic stalking, wrongful stops and detentions, non-law enforcement use, and other types of misconduct.  Through its Plate Privacy Project, IJ is engaged in strategic litigation, legislation, media outreach, and activism work to help everyday people push back against the warrantless use of ALPRs and other mass surveillance technologies. IJ has two active federal lawsuits challenging the warrantless use of ALPRs in Norfolk, Virginia and San Jose, California.  As of August 28, 2026, 137 local governments are included in IJ’s database. *Note: This list does not include jurisdictions that only paused operations of ALPRs or switched to another provider. This list only includes jurisdictions that canceled ALPR contracts.*

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