Rhode Island Extends Pause on New License Plate Readers, Releases Model Policy
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has extended a pause on the installation of new automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and has released a model policy for their use. The policy prohibits certain uses, such as for immigration enforcement and investigations…
Providence New Bedford, RI, October 19, 2026 —
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has extended a pause on installing new automated license plate readers and released a model policy governing their use, according to the information provided.
The policy bars certain uses of the technology, including immigration enforcement and investigations into reproductive or gender-affirming care. It also requires data collected by the readers to be deleted within 30 days.
Civil liberties groups have said they were not consulted while the policy was being developed. The information provided does not identify the groups or include their specific concerns about the policy.
The announcement combines an extension of the installation pause with the release of guidance for ALPR use. The length of the extended pause, the date it took effect and the policy’s implementation timeline were not provided. The available information also does not specify which agencies or entities the model policy covers, whether it is mandatory, or how compliance will be monitored.
Details about the policy’s other provisions were not provided. No reason for extending the pause or explanation of how the policy was developed was included in the summary. It also does not state whether the policy will be revised following feedback from civil liberties groups.
As described, the policy sets restrictions on some uses of ALPRs and a 30-day deadline for deleting data. Further details about the policy’s scope and implementation were not available in the information provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Ryan Belmore on whatsupnewp.com, see more information here.
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