Texas Governor Abbott Halts Permits for License Plate Readers on State Roads
Texas Governor Abbott has ordered the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to stop issuing permits for the installation of Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers along state roads.
Dallas Fort Worth, TX, September 18, 2026 —
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), instructing the agency to cease issuing permits for the installation of Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) on state roads. The order does not specify the reasons behind the decision or provide a timeline for its duration.
The directive impacts the ability of entities to obtain official permission for placing these surveillance technologies along roadways managed by the state. Flock cameras and similar ALPR systems are designed to capture vehicle license plate information, often used by law enforcement for investigations and by various agencies for traffic management and other purposes.
Details regarding the specific types of cameras or reader systems affected by this order beyond general mentions of “Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers” were not immediately available. Similarly, information concerning the current number of such devices installed under previously issued permits, or the process for existing installations, has not been disclosed.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance and regulation of the state’s highway system. Its permitting process is typically required for any installation that affects state-owned right-of-way. The halt on new permits suggests a pause in the expansion or deployment of these specific technologies on state routes while the directive is in effect.
The specific motivations leading to Governor Abbott’s order, such as concerns over privacy, data security, cost, or operational effectiveness, were not detailed in the summary provided. It is also not specified whether this order applies to devices installed by local law enforcement agencies, private entities, or state agencies themselves, beyond the scope of TxDOT permitting for state roads.
The implications for ongoing projects or planned deployments of Flock cameras and ALPRs across Texas remain unclear pending further clarification from the Governor’s office or TxDOT. The governor’s office did not provide additional context or details regarding the scope or intended outcome of this directive.
Story summarized from the original created by Steven.Ardary@fox.com (Steven Ardary) on www.fox4news.com, see more information here.
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