NC H829

Prohibits governmental entities from using automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems except for specific purposes including law enforcement comparison with state and national databases to identify stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, and missing persons; parking enforcement; access control to secured areas; and electronic toll collection.

Requires captured plate data to be deleted within 60 days (120 days for toll collection) unless preserved by court order, with preservation requests requiring a written sworn statement and 60-day deadline for obtaining a disclosure order or data must be destroyed.

Designates captured plate data as confidential and not a public record; prohibits sale, trade, or exchange of data; and allows disclosure only with written consent of vehicle owner or by court order showing reasonable grounds that data is relevant to criminal or missing persons investigation.

Mandates governmental entities using ALPR systems adopt and post usage and privacy policies on their websites and submit annual reports to the Attorney General detailing plates scanned, database matches, preservation requests, and disclosure orders, with the Attorney General compiling results for legislative submission.

Establishes civil penalties of $1,000 minimum damages plus attorney's fees for violations, Class 1 misdemeanor for willful violations, and suppresses any evidence obtained in violation of the statute.