Car Surveillance Awareness

What is Car Surveillance?

Car surveillance involves the monitoring of vehicles by government entities, private companies, and even individuals. It includes methods like GPS tracking, traffic cameras, and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR).

Who is Watching?

Surveillance can be conducted by several entities, including:

• Local and National Government: Police and federal agencies often use ALPR systems to track vehicles for security purposes.
• Private Companies: Parking companies use ALPR for billing and security, often in automated parking lots.
• Nosy Individuals: Anyone with the right tools can monitor your car using cheap ALPR cameras or trackers.

How ALPR Works

ALPR uses cameras that automatically capture images of vehicle license plates. The system then analyzes the images with AI to read the plate numbers, often cross-referencing them with databases for tracking, billing, or law enforcement purposes.

How to Protect Yourself

There are a few methods to protect yourself from unwanted car surveillance:

• Consider using license plate covers that block the view of ALPR cameras but remain legal in your area.
• Disable any internal GPS trackers if possible, or check with your car manufacturer for disabling these features.
• Use privacy films or stickers that obscure key features on your vehicle.

Check Your Car

To check if your car is being monitored or equipped with tracking devices, try these steps:

1. Inspect under the car for hidden GPS trackers.
2. Check your car's onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) port for unauthorized devices.
3. Use a handheld RF detector to scan for active signals around your vehicle.

If you suspect your car is being monitored, consult with an expert in vehicle security for further assistance.