State‑run license plate readers already operating on major highways in Brunswick and Columbus counties would become a permanent SBI program under the proposal.
North Carolina’s network of state‑operated license plate readers may soon shift from a temporary pilot to a permanent statewide system. House Bill 206, now advancing through the General Assembly, would formally authorize the State Bureau of Investigation’s automated license plate reader program and allow the SBI to continue installing cameras along state‑maintained highways.
The program has been operating under a limited authorization set to expire July 1, 2026. HB 206 would remove that sunset clause and establish the ALPR network as a long‑term public‑safety tool
State‑run ALPR cameras are already active in Brunswick and Columbus counties, positioned along major corridors where the SBI has authority to operate on state rights‑of‑way. Those locations include US‑17, US‑74/76, NC‑87, NC‑211, NC‑410 and NC‑130.
These units are owned and managed by the State of North Carolina. They are not part of any municipal, HOA, or privately funded camera system. The SBI uses them to capture license plate numbers, dates, times, and travel direction of passing vehicles. Under current law, the data may be retained for up to 90 days.
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If enacted, House Bill 206 would:
- Make the SBI’s ALPR program permanent
- Continue allowing cameras on state‑maintained roads
- Preserve the 90‑day data retention limit
- Keep the SBI as the central agency responsible for oversight and access
The bill does not expand ALPR authority to private entities. It applies strictly to state‑owned cameras placed on state‑controlled infrastructure.
Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina have credited the ALPR network with helping locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and assist in missing‑person cases. SBI officials say the system has produced significant investigative leads since the pilot began in 2023, particularly along high‑traffic corridors.
Civil liberties organizations, including the ACLU of North Carolina, have raised concerns about the long‑term tracking of drivers’ movements and the potential for misuse of stored data. HB 206 maintains existing criminal penalties for unauthorized access or improper use of ALPR information, but privacy advocates argue that statewide expansion still warrants closer scrutiny.
Local Impact for Brunswick and Columbus Counties
For southeastern North Carolina, the bill would formalize the state‑run camera network already operating on major highways. No new locations have been announced, but the SBI would retain the authority to expand the system along state‑maintained routes as needed.
HB 206 has cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee and is currently in Senate Rules. The bill must pass both chambers before heading to Governor Josh Stein for consideration. Residents can follow the bill’s progress through the General Assembly’s website or through trusted legislative tracking sources.
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