license plate reader

New Mexico is considering legislation this week that would change how citizens’ license plate information is shared. Senate Bill 40, the Driver Privacy and Safety Act, would prevent this information from being given to both public and private third parties.

Nationwide, more law enforcement agencies are adopting license plate readers to solve crimes including speeding, vehicle thefts, and missing persons cases. Last week, the New Mexico State Police used these computer-controlled cameras to arrest a suspect in the fatal shooting at the University of New Mexico. Lawmakers on Wednesday discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this technology with an eye on possible legislation to regulate it.