1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, “automated license plate recognition system” means a system of one or more mobile or fixed high-speed cameras combined with computer algorithms to convert images of registration plates into computer-readable data. “Automated license plate recognition system” does not include a photo-monitoring system, as defined in Title 23, section 1980, subsection 2?A, paragraph B, subparagraph (4), when used by the Maine Turnpike Authority or a law enforcement agency for toll enforcement purposes.

[PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]

Attorney's Note

Under the Maine Revised Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class E crimeup to 6 monthsup to $1,000
For details, see Me. Rev. Stat. Title 17-A § 1604

Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 2117-A

  • Bureau: means the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Commercial motor vehicle: means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:
A. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Department: means the Department of Transportation. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Law enforcement officer: means a person who by virtue of public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for crimes, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific crimes. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • License: includes , but is not limited to, a nonresident operating privilege and the privilege of a person to apply for or obtain a license or permit to operate a motor vehicle. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Motor carrier: means a contract carrier, a common carrier or a private carrier of property or passengers by motor vehicle. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Motor vehicle: means a self-propelled vehicle not operated exclusively on railroad tracks, but does not include:
  • A. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Person: means an individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, fiduciary, trust, estate or any other legal or commercial entity. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Registration: means the registration certificate, plates and renewal devices pertaining to the registration of a vehicle, including temporary registered gross weight increases. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • Vehicle: means a device for conveyance of persons or property on a way. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A Sec. 101
  • 2. Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a person may not use an automated license plate recognition system.

    [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]

    3. Exception. Subsection 2 does not apply to:
    A. The Department of Transportation for the purposes of protecting public safety and transportation infrastructure; [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]
    B. The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police for the purposes of commercial motor vehicle screening and inspection; and [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]
    C. Any state, county or municipal law enforcement agency when providing public safety, conducting criminal investigations and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal laws. For purposes of this paragraph, an automated license plate recognition system may use only information entered by a law enforcement officer as defined by Title 17?A, section 2, subsection 17 and based on specific and articulable facts of a concern for safety, wrongdoing or a criminal investigation or pursuant to a civil order or records from the National Crime Information Center database or an official published law enforcement bulletin. [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]
    An authorized user under this subsection of an automated license plate recognition system may use an automated license plate recognition system only for the official and legitimate purposes of the user’s employer.

    [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]

    4. Confidentiality. Data collected or retained through the use of an automated license plate recognition system in accordance with subsection 3 are confidential under Title 1, chapter 13 and are available for use only by a law enforcement agency in carrying out its functions or by an agency collecting information under subsection 3 for its intended purpose and any related civil or criminal proceeding.
    A law enforcement agency may publish and release as public information summary reports using aggregate data that do not reveal the activities of an individual or firm and may share commercial motor vehicle screening data with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for regulatory compliance purposes.

    [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]

    5. Data retention. Data collected or retained through the use of an automated license plate recognition system in accordance with subsection 3 that are not considered intelligence and investigative record information as defined by Title 16, section 803, subsection 7, or data collected for the purposes of commercial motor vehicle screening, may not be stored for more than 21 days.

    [PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §23 (AMD).]

    6. Penalty. Violation of this section is a Class E crime.

    [PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]

    SECTION HISTORY

    PL 2009, c. 605, §1 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §23 (AMD).