Does New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act Affect ALPR Data Sharing Across State Lines?

What Is New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act?

New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act is a statewide privacy and data governance law that establishes protections around personal information and automated license plate reader (ALPR) data.

The legislation places new restrictions on how government entities and healthcare facilities collect, share, and disclose personal information. It also creates statewide rules governing ALPR data sharing in New Jersey.

The bill addresses:

• Personal information
• Data sharing restrictions
• Privacy protections
• Transparency requirements
• Cross-state law enforcement data access
  ‍

The legislation reflects a broader national movement toward clearer statewide ALPR laws that balance:

• Public safety operations
• Individual privacy rights
• Accountability
• Responsible data governance
  ‍

For agencies across New Jersey, the law creates guardrails on how ALPR information may be shared.

What Does New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act Say About ALPR Data?

The Privacy Protection Act establishes new statewide limits on how ALPR data may be sold, shared, transferred, or disclosed.

Under the law, government entities generally may not sell, share, or transfer ALPR information except under specific lawful circumstances.

Permitted disclosures include:

• Sharing with another government entity or law enforcement agency, provided the information is not used for civil immigration enforcement
• Disclosure pursuant to a subpoena, warrant, or court order
• Disclosure with written consent from the individual that the information pertains to
• Sharing with an out-of-state law enforcement agency conducting a criminal investigation, but only after the agency has certified that it will not access the ALPR information for prohibited purposes and will comply with applicable New Jersey law 

How Does The Privacy Protection Act Regulate ALPR Data Sharing Across State Lines?

The law establishes detailed requirements for the sharing of out-of-state ALPR data.

Before a New Jersey government entity may share ALPR data with another jurisdiction’s law enforcement agency, the receiving agency must certify that:

• The information will not be used for civil immigration enforcement
• The information will not be shared, sold, transferred, or made searchable by the receiving agency
• The receiving agency is bound by New Jersey’s restrictions, safeguards, and data security requirements
  ‍

In particular, receiving agencies must comply with:

• New Jersey State Police regulations
• New Jersey Attorney General directives
• Applicable data security protocols
  ‍

Importantly, these interagency agreements are considered public record.

The law also gives the New Jersey Attorney General authority to:

• Restrict future ALPR data sharing
• Deny access to agencies that violate the law’s requirements
  ‍

This creates a clearer accountability structure for interstate ALPR collaboration.

Does The Privacy Protection Act Limit Civil Immigration-Related Use Of ALPR Data?

Yes. The legislation explicitly limits the use of ALPR information for federal civil immigration enforcement purposes.

Under the law:

• NJ government entities may not share ALPR information for civil immigration enforcement
• Out-of-state agencies receiving ALPR data must certify that the data will not be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes
  ‍

This provision is one of the law’s clearest restrictions on the use and sharing of ALPR data.

The legislation also reflects a broader effort to ensure residents can seek:

• Government services,
• Healthcare services, and 
• Public assistance -
  
  without concerns about the unrelated disclosure of certain personal information.

How Does The Privacy Protection Act Impact New Jersey Law Enforcement Agencies?

The legislation allows New Jersey law enforcement agencies to continue using ALPR technology for lawful criminal investigations and public safety purposes.

Automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) remain an important investigative tool for:

• Vehicle-enabled crime investigations
• Locating stolen vehicles
• Locating missing and endangered people
• Investigative coordination
• Real-time alerts
• Cross-jurisdiction collaboration
  ‍

The law focuses primarily on:

• Data governance
• Sharing restrictions
• Accountability
• Privacy protections
• Oversight requirements
  ‍

rather than restricting lawful investigative use itself.

For agencies across New Jersey, the legislation establishes clearer operational expectations around:

• Interstate sharing
• Disclosure practices
• Privacy compliance

How Is Flock Supporting Responsible ALPR Governance In New Jersey?

Flock has consistently supported responsible ALPR regulation and clear accountability standards.

Flock’s platform already includes governance and transparency features aligned with many of the principles reflected in New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act, including:

Local Control

Customers control:

• Their own data
• Sharing permissions
• Retention settings
• User access policies

Auditability

Every search in the system is:

• Logged
• Associated with a user
• Reviewable

Transparency Mechanisms

Flock systems support:

• Search accountability
• Access oversight
• Reviewable workflows
• Data governance controls

Responsible Sharing Controls

Agencies determine their own sharing relationships and can manage cross-jurisdiction access consistent with applicable law and agency policy.

Flock will continue collaborating with agencies, policymakers, and public safety leaders as New Jersey’s implementation guidance evolves.

Does New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act Ban ALPR Technology?

No. The legislation does not ban ALPR technology in New Jersey.

Law enforcement agencies may continue using ALPR systems for lawful criminal investigations and public safety operations.

Instead, the law establishes statewide rules governing:

• Data sharing
• Access limitations
• Privacy protections
• Disclosure procedures
• Accountability requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About ALPR Laws In New Jersey

Is ALPR legal in New Jersey?

Yes. ALPR technology remains legal in New Jersey for lawful criminal investigations and public safety purposes.

Can New Jersey agencies share ALPR data with other states?

Yes, under specific conditions. Receiving agencies must certify that the information will not be used for civil immigration enforcement and must comply with New Jersey’s privacy and security requirements.

Does New Jersey allow ALPR data to be used for civil immigration enforcement?

The Privacy Protection Act prohibits the sharing of ALPR information for civil immigration enforcement.

Can ALPR data be disclosed through a subpoena or court order?

Yes. ALPR information may be disclosed pursuant to a subpoena, warrant, or court order, subject to applicable notification requirements.

Does the Privacy Protection Act ban ALPR technology?

No. The law regulates how ALPR data is shared and governed, but does not prohibit the technology itself.

Why Does New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act Matter For Public Safety And Privacy?

New Jersey’s Privacy Protection Act reflects an effort to establish clearer guardrails around personal data and ALPR information while preserving lawful public safety operations.

The legislation reinforces:

• Privacy protections
• Accountability standards
• Transparent governance
• Responsible interstate collaboration
  ‍

At the same time, it preserves the ability for agencies to:

• Investigate crime
• Coordinate across jurisdictions
• Use vehicle evidence lawfully
• Support public safety operations
  ‍

That balance increasingly matters as states continue defining how modern investigative technologies should operate responsibly.

Looking Ahead

As ALPR laws in New Jersey continue evolving, the Privacy Protection Act establishes a clearer statewide framework for lawful investigative collaboration.

Flock remains committed to helping agencies use ALPR technology responsibly through systems designed around transparency, local control, and reviewable use. The company will continue working with New Jersey agencies and policymakers to support implementation efforts that strengthen both public safety and public trust.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Agencies should consult legal counsel regarding interpretation and compliance obligations under New Jersey law.