US lawmakers are set to introduce an amendment that would prohibit the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) for anything other than tolling across the nation. The move aims to end state and local ALPR programs, which have become a pervasive layer of American road infrastructure.

The single-sentence amendment, sponsored by Republican Representative Scott Perry and Illinois progressive Representative Jesús “Chuy” García, would apply to any recipient of federal highway funding under Title 23. This includes most states, counties, and municipalities that receive such funds, effectively forcing a ban on ALPR cameras.

Privacy advocates have long warned that the aggregation of license plate data amounts to a de facto warrantless tracking system. The amendment’s supporters argue it is a common-sense approach in light of recent incidents and court cases involving misuse of these systems, including a Texas sheriff’s deputy using Flock Group cameras to track a woman who had an abortion.

In Illinois, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias ordered the company Flock Group to cut off federal access after its audit found violations of state law. Meanwhile, the Institute for Justice has filed a class action lawsuit against San Jose, California, alleging its 474-camera network violates residents' Fourth Amendment rights.

The amendment sidesteps potential constitutional issues by using spending power as leverage. While states can decline federal funding, historically few do so. This move could signal a significant shift in how Americans view personal privacy on the road.