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Bill

Bill

S 4174

Imposes certain requirements on use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement agencies.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Benjie Wimberly

New Jersey bill requiring law enforcement automated license plate readers comply with data retention, access, and oversight standards to limit privacy risks.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4174

Legislative bill overview

S 4174 establishes regulatory requirements governing how law enforcement agencies in New Jersey deploy and use automated license plate readers (ALPRs)—technology that automatically captures and records vehicle license plate information. The bill sets standards for data collection, retention, access, and use of the information gathered by these systems.

Why is this important

ALPRs can rapidly identify vehicles across large areas, enabling law enforcement to locate stolen vehicles, fugitives, and crime suspects. However, the technology also creates comprehensive records of where vehicles (and their owners) travel, raising privacy concerns about mass surveillance and data misuse. Clear legal frameworks determine whether this powerful tool is used responsibly or becomes a tool for indiscriminate tracking.

Potential points of contention

  • Data retention and deletion policies: Disagreement over how long ALPR data should be stored before deletion, balancing investigative needs against privacy interests
  • Access controls and oversight: Debate about which officers/agencies can access ALPR data and whether independent auditing or judicial oversight should be required
  • Use limitations: Whether searches should be restricted to specific crimes or fugitive cases, versus allowing broader investigative purposes
  • Community notification: Whether the public should be informed about ALPR deployment in their neighborhoods
  • Cost and implementation burden: Law enforcement concerns about compliance expenses versus advocates' view that proper safeguards require investment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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