What Does Washington Senate Bill 6002 Mean for ALPR Use in Washington?

What Is SB 6002 in Washington?

Washington Senate Bill 6002 is a new statewide law that governs how Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) data may be collected, accessed, shared, and retained in Washington.

On March 30, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB 6002, also known as the Driver Privacy Act. It is the state’s first comprehensive ALPR law.

Through collaboration among elected officials, law enforcement leaders, technology vendors, and public safety advocates, the final bill preserves the core crime-solving capabilities of ALPRs while establishing strict safeguards.

The final framework allows agencies to continue using ALPR for critical investigations under defined guardrails.

What Does SB 6002 Mean for Washington Law Enforcement?

Under SB 6002, Washington law enforcement agencies may continue using ALPR technology for lawful investigations, subject to specific guardrails.

Under the new Washington ALPR law, agencies:

• Can use ALPRs to investigate felonies, gross misdemeanors, and stolen vehicles; locate missing persons; and for parking or traffic-related purposes.
  
• Are prohibited from using ALPR for immigration enforcement purposes, monitoring constitutionally-protected activities, or in relation to reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare.
• Can share access with other WA law enforcement agencies for the permitted purposes.
  
• Must limit data retention to 21 days, unless an exception applies.
  
• Must adopt a formal ALPR policy and submit annual usage reports by December 1, 2027.
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The final bill preserves core crime-solving capabilities that were initially at risk in earlier drafts.

What Restrictions Does SB 6002 Place on Washington ALPR Data?

SB 6002 introduces specific privacy protections governing how ALPR data is stored, accessed, and monitored in Washington.

The Washington ALPR law:

• Limits data retention to 21 days, unless retained as evidence; pursuant to a warrant, subpoena or court order; for a parking enforcement case; for traffic studies; or for enforcing commercial vehicle systems.
  
• Prohibits agencies from collecting ALPR data at or immediately surrounding certain sensitive locations, including healthcare facilities, facilities conducting immigration matters, elementary and secondary schools, places of worship, and foodbanks.
  
• Prohibits use for immigration enforcement, to monitor activity protected by the Washington State Constitution and the First Amendment; or related to reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare.
• Provides that the agency owns the ALPR data.
  
• Requires agencies to adopt a formal ALPR use policy.
  
• Mandates annual public reporting beginning December 1, 2027.
  
• Establishes annual audit requirements.
  
• Limits database alerts to approved databases.
• Prevents vendors from selling or allowing unauthorized access to the data.
  
• ALPR data is not subject to public disclosure under Washington’s Public Records Act.
  

Approved Alert Databases

Alerts may be generated by matches with data from the following sources:

• Washington Department of Licensing
  
• Washington criminal justice information systems
  
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
  
• FBI databases
  
• Washington kidnapped and missing persons lists
  
• License plates and vehicle characteristics entered by the agency
  

How Does SB 6002 Impact Data Sharing in Washington?

SB 6002 establishes clear standards for how ALPR data may be shared within and outside Washington.

In-State Sharing

• State and local agencies may share access, but only for the law’s permitted purposes.
  

Private Sector Data

• Agencies may obtain data from privately owned ALPR cameras with a warrant or court order. 
• The law does not restrict private entities from deciding whom to share LPR data with. It is possible that the law does not – and cannot – disallow a private entity from voluntarily giving information to police.
  

How Is Flock Safety Supporting Compliance with SB 6002?

Flock Safety is implementing platform safeguards to help agencies across Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and throughout Washington continue to use ALPR.

21-Day Data Retention

Flock has applied a 21-day retention schedule to apply to agency customers statewide. 

Reproductive and Immigration Filters (Already Live)

Washington already has automatic search filters that:

• Remove all Washington networks from searches tied to immigration enforcement
  
• Remove all Washington networks from reproductive healthcare-related searches
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These safeguards are already active statewide.

Database Adjustments

• NCIC alert access has been removed.
  
• State-level alerting alternatives are under development.
  

Sensitive Location Controls

• Agencies will be supported in relocating cameras from prohibited locations.
  
• Cameras in restricted areas will be separated and deactivated during the transition.

Reporting & Audit Support

Flock will provide:

• Guidance on required reporting metrics
  
• Tools to pull usage reports
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Sharing Options Adjusted

• Agencies will have reduced sharing options
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Transparency Portals

• Flock offers agencies a transparency portal, which is a website where agencies can post their ALPR use policy and other information about their use of ALPR

Does SB 6002 Impact Flock ALPR Data Retention in Washington?

Yes. The Washington ALPR law limits ALPR data retention to 21 days, which is less than Flock’s default retention period of 30 days. Flock will apply a 21-day retention schedule statewide.

• Default retention: 21 days statewide
  
• Stricter than prior Washington practice: Yes, previously most agencies used Flock’s default of 30 days.
  

When Does SB 6002 Take Effect?

SB 6002 took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on March 30, 2026.

Transition Timeline

• Retention changes have been applied statewide.
  
• Sharing and alert adjustments have been made.
  
• Agencies must relocate cameras on or near sensitive locations.
• Within 180 days of the law’s effective date, agencies must register their use of ALPR with the Attorney General on forms provided by the office, certifying that its system meets the law’s requirements and that the agency has the proper policies and training processes in place.
• Agencies must adopt formal policies and begin submitting an annual report by December 1, 2027.

What Are the Current ALPR Laws in Washington?

Washington now has a defined statewide framework governing ALPR use under SB 6002, which was signed into law on March 30, 2026.

The Washington ALPR law:

• Establishes clear permitted uses
  
• Imposes strict retention limits
  
• Restricts sharing and database alerts
  
• Requires policy adoption and annual reporting
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This provides clarity for Washington law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol and local departments.

Frequently Asked Questions About ALPR Laws in Washington

Is ALPR legal in Washington?

Yes. ALPR is legal in Washington under SB 6002, subject to specific guardrails.

How long can ALPR data be stored in Washington?

ALPR data may be retained for 21 days, unless needed as evidence or under other limited exceptions.

Does SB 6002 require a warrant to use ALPR?

No general warrant requirement applies for standard law enforcement use of ALPR data that is up to 21 days old. A warrant is required for law enforcement to obtain privately held ALPR data.

Does SB 6002 ban ALPR technology?

No. The law regulates how ALPR may be used, but does not ban the technology.

Why Does This Legislation Matter for Public Safety and Privacy?

SB 6002 reflects an effort to balance privacy protections with modern investigative tools.

• Preserves core crime-solving capabilities
  
• Establishes significant restrictions
  
• Promotes transparency through reporting
  
• Builds community trust through defined limits
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Clear rules help agencies operate confidently while respecting community expectations.

Looking Ahead

Flock Safety remains committed to responsible ALPR regulation and continued collaboration with policymakers and law enforcement agencies across Washington.

Flock’s priority is to help agencies continue to protect their communities while following the law.