The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has temporarily halted the installation of license plate readers along state roads, awaiting the outcome of pending legislation that will define how the technology and its data can be used.
The proposed legislation would restrict access to the data collected by the readers to law enforcement and government agencies only. It also mandates that all captured data be deleted after 90 days to protect privacy.
According to law enforcement officials, data from the readers would be used solely for active investigations, with strict limits to prevent unauthorized or arbitrary searches. Officers would be required to have a specific investigative purpose before accessing the system.
Supporters of the initiative say the technology provides a powerful tool for public safety.
SCDOT’s decision to pause the installation stems from legal uncertainties over whether the license plate readers are authorized for placement within state-owned rights of way. Officials say they will await legislative clarification before proceeding.
Law enforcement sources estimate that each reader, including installation, costs between $2,000 and $3,000. The proposed bill also includes a clause prohibiting any government entity from selling the data collected by the devices.
The legislation is still under review by state lawmakers and could significantly shape how automated surveillance technology is implemented across South Carolina’s transportation infrastructure.
