California Civil Code §1798.90 (SB-34) sets minimum privacy rules for automated license plate reader systems. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office posts an ALPR usage and retention policy and limits sharing of plate data with outside agencies.
California Civil Code §1798.90.5 et seq., enacted by Senate Bill 34 (2015), requires every public agency operating automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems to publish a usage and privacy policy, restrict access to authorized personnel, retain data only as long as necessary for the agency's mission, and report breaches. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office posts its ALPR policy online and bars sharing of plate data with federal civil immigration authorities, consistent with the County sanctuary policy. Cities operating their own systems (San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto) follow individual policies that comply with SB-34. Private businesses, including HOAs and Flock Safety customers, must also publish privacy policies and follow data-minimization rules.
An agency that fails to publish a usage policy or that shares plate data outside SB-34 limits exposes the jurisdiction to civil penalties and damages under Civil Code §1798.90.54. Private operators face Attorney General and class-action enforcement.
See how Santa Clara's license plate readers rules stack up against other locations.
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