License Plate Readers: Chicago vs Evanston
How do license plate readers rules compare between Chicago, IL and Evanston, IL?
Chicago and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Illinois 50 ILCS 718 caps law enforcement automated license plate reader data retention to 30 days unless tied to an active investigation. Chicago Police operate ALPRs and previously used ShotSpotter, with City Council reviewing each program for civil-liberties impacts.
View full Chicago rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
The Illinois Automated License Plate Reader Act (50 ILCS 207) caps non-hit plate data retention at 30 months and bars sale of ALPR data. Cook County Sheriff and suburban police operate fixed and mobile ALPR systems; access requires documented law-enforcement purpose and audit trails.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| State law | 50 ILCS 718 | 50 ILCS 207 ALPR Act |
| Default retention | 30 days | - |
| Exceptions | Active investigation only | - |
| ShotSpotter | Ended 2024 | - |
| Oversight | COPA and IG | - |
| Retention cap | - | 30 months non-hit data |
| Sale prohibited | - | Yes for non-LE use |
| Sheriff usage | - | Cook Sheriff operates ALPR |
| Audit required | - | Annual usage reports |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can private businesses use ALPRs?
Yes, but BIPA does not cover plates and 50 ILCS 718 only governs law enforcement. Private operators face common-law privacy claims and must comply with any contract that limits data sharing with police or commercial brokers.
Does CPD share ALPR data with ICE?
The 2024 amendments to 50 ILCS 718 prohibit Illinois agencies from sharing ALPR data with out-of-state agencies for immigration enforcement. Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance MCC 2-173 reinforces this prohibition for CPD.
Evanston FAQ
How long does Cook County keep my license plate scans?
Up to 30 months for non-hit data under the Illinois ALPR Act. Hits associated with stolen vehicles, AMBER Alerts, or open investigations may be retained longer in case files. Some agencies adopt shorter retention policies than the statutory maximum.
Can ICE access Cook County ALPR data?
Cook County Ord. 11-O-73 limits cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. ALPR data sharing with ICE for civil immigration purposes is restricted; criminal investigations may still result in some sharing under federal warrant or task-force agreements.
Are private Flock cameras subject to the same rules?
When operated under contract with a law-enforcement agency, Flock systems must comply with 50 ILCS 207. Private HOA-owned Flock cameras have separate contractual data-handling and can voluntarily share with police under terms of service.
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