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How to Find Out If Your Town Has License Plate Readers

Wondering whether your neighborhood is being scanned? Finding out is easier than you’d think.

1. Check the map

Start with our Camera Map. Search your city or ZIP and zoom in — every dot is a reported ALPR camera, powered by the open-source DeFlock project’s data.

2. Look around

ALPR cameras are often small, boxy units on their own short poles near intersections and neighborhood entrances, sometimes solar-powered. Once you know the shape, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.

3. Ask your local government

File a public records request for your town’s ALPR policy: how long data is kept, who can search it, and who it’s shared with. Many places can’t answer because no written policy exists — which is exactly the problem.

4. Do something about it

Our Take Action guide walks through the questions to ask and the steps to take, whether you’re one resident or organizing a whole neighborhood.

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