ACLU Launches Petition Against Police License Plate Readers in San Diego
The ACLU has launched a petition in San Diego advocating for the discontinuation of police use of license plate readers.
San Diego, CA, August 18, 2026 —
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has initiated a petition in San Diego calling for an end to the use of license plate readers by law enforcement agencies in the region. The petition aims to raise public awareness and garner support for stricter regulations or a complete ban on the technology.
License plate readers, also known as Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), are camera systems that can automatically capture license plate information from vehicles. Law enforcement agencies use these devices to track vehicle movements and can cross-reference plate data with various databases, including those for stolen vehicles or wanted persons. However, privacy advocates, including the ACLU, have raised concerns about the potential for widespread surveillance and the collection of vast amounts of data on innocent individuals.
The ACLU’s petition specifically targets the practices of police departments in San Diego County. While the exact number of agencies utilizing ALPR technology and the specifics of their data retention policies were not detailed in the information provided, the organization’s stance indicates a broader concern about the civil liberties implications of such surveillance tools. The petition urges residents to voice their opposition to what they describe as pervasive tracking of everyday activities.
Details regarding the timeline for the petition’s collection of signatures or specific policy changes being sought beyond discontinuation were not provided. The ACLU has historically been a vocal critic of government surveillance technologies, citing potential for misuse and the erosion of privacy rights. This latest effort in San Diego aligns with previous advocacy campaigns by the organization in other jurisdictions concerning ALPR technology.
Further information regarding the ACLU’s specific arguments against the use of license plate readers, including any documented instances of misuse or data breaches, was not available. The petition’s success will likely depend on public engagement and the response from local law enforcement and elected officials.
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