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Nashville, TN Privacy & Surveillance: License Plate Readers (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Council approval: Required by resolution after public hearing
Data retention: 10 days unless tied to a case
ICE data sharing: Hot lists from ICE prohibited
Facial recognition: Not allowed on LPR system
Pilot program: Six months before full council approval

Summary

Metro Nashville requires council approval before installing license plate readers in the public right-of-way, caps LPR data retention at ten days, and bars police from using ICE-provided hot lists under Metro Code section 13.08.080.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, the metropolitan government shall not in any way use, upload, or refer to a hot list that is related to federal immigration enforcement including without limitation any hot list provided or generated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any hot list that includes data provided or generated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Before Metro departments can install license plate readers or other surveillance tech in the public right-of-way, the Metro Council must approve it by resolution after a public hearing (Metro Code section 13.08.080(C)). MNPD's LPR data is capped at ten days retention absent an active investigation, the system can't run facial recognition, and installations require a six-month pilot before permanent approval. Subsection G.13 bars MNPD from using any ICE-generated or ICE-supplied hot list. The rule binds Metro Government departments; the six satellite cities (Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop) run their own police departments and aren't covered.

Violations & Fines

Employee violations of the LPR policy trigger discipline under civil service rules, up to and including termination. The metro council can also suspend LPR use if the district attorney, public defender, or community oversight board reports a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Metro Nashville use license plate reader cameras?

Yes, but MNPD needs a six-month council-approved pilot before deploying a fixed LPR network, and any expansion needs another council resolution after a public hearing under Metro Code section 13.08.080(C).

Can Nashville police share license plate data with ICE?

No. Metro Code section 13.08.080(G)(13) bars MNPD from using, uploading, or referencing any hot list generated or supplied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

How long does MNPD keep license plate reader data?

Ten days, unless the data is evidence in a criminal or traffic case, under litigation hold, or a supervisor approves a written preservation request under section 13.08.080(G)(4).

Sources & Official References

[1]Metropolitan Code of Laws of Nashville and Davidson County (Municode)

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