What does an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) do?

An Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) is a technology that is primarily designed to capture images of vehicle license plates and then analyze those images to extract the text from the plate. The system then checks this information against various databases to identify if the vehicle is properly registered, if it has been reported stolen, if there are outstanding warrants related to the vehicle or its owner, and to verify compliance with vehicle regulations. This capability enhances law enforcement efforts by providing officers with real-time information about the vehicles they encounter.

This function sets ALPR apart from other options provided. For instance, registering new vehicles pertains to a completely different process involving vehicle registration authorities, while recording the speed of passing vehicles relates to speed enforcement tools such as radar or lidar. Interrogating drivers does not align with the automated nature of ALPR technology, which operates independently of driver interaction.