Texas has no statute specifically governing automated license plate readers. Dallas County Sheriff and many cities deploy ALPRs for investigations and BOLOs. Data retention and access are set by department policy and Texas public records law.
Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are widely deployed across Dallas County by the Sheriff, the Dallas Police Department, North Texas Tollway Authority, and private operators like Flock Safety contracted by HOAs and businesses. Texas has no statute specifying ALPR data retention limits, data sharing rules, or audit requirements. The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) governs public records access but allows law enforcement to withhold investigative records. Dallas County Sheriff retains ALPR data per internal policy, often 30 to 90 days for non-hit reads. Critics cite Fourth Amendment and privacy concerns. Some cities have passed transparency policies, though Dallas County itself has not.
Improper personal use of ALPR data may violate TX Penal Code 39.06 misuse of official information, third-degree felony with prison and fines.
See how DeSoto's license plate readers rules stack up against other locations.
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