A bill in South Carolina is proposing to explicitly allow license plate readers on state-owned roads while limiting who can use them. The bill would authorize law enforcement, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, or third-party groups working with law enforcement to utilize automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to prevent crime. These cameras are seen as important tools by some agencies to track down suspects and stolen vehicles, but concerns about privacy violations have been raised. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has halted installation of the devices until clearer policy guidelines are in place.
In situations like the recent kidnapping of a child where ALPRs helped locate the suspect, law enforcement officials have found the technology to be invaluable. The bill also imposes limitations on data storage, ensuring that data is not kept for longer than 90 days unless part of an active investigation, and mandates the implementation of clear data destruction policies. The ACLU of South Carolina has called for further protections of privacy regarding the use of license plate readers. The bill has passed a Senate subcommittee and is now heading to the full Senate Judiciary Committee for further review.
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