More and more municipalities are equipping municipal police vehicles with automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems. However, the CNIL would like to point out that the use of this type of system is regulated and warns against the use of photographs.

Demonstration of an automated license plate reading system.

In a press release dated 25/08, the CNIL used the order of 14 April 2009 as a reminder that the use of LAPI-type devices is authorised as part of the control of the post-parking fee (replaces the fine for unpaid parking).

On the other hand, the order does not provide for the collection of photographic files. The collection and processing of photographs of vehicles, with or without licence plates, for the exercise of police powers by municipalities is therefore not authorised. Consequently, the municipalities may not use these photographs for the investigation of offences.

The President and Vice-President of the CNIL have adopted several formal notices against municipalities that do not respect the legal framework.