Texas DPS installs license plate reader cameras in Austin

State agency moves forward with surveillance tech despite city's privacy concerns

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Texas Department of Public Safety has installed multiple license plate reader (LPR) cameras in Austin, despite the city previously discontinuing the use of such surveillance technology over privacy issues.

Why it matters

The installation of these LPR cameras by the state DPS raises questions about the balance between public safety and individual privacy, as well as the authority of local governments to regulate surveillance tech within their jurisdictions.

The details

The Texas DPS has placed an undisclosed number of LPR cameras at various locations around Austin, which can automatically capture and record the license plate numbers of passing vehicles. This move comes after the city of Austin had previously discontinued its own LPR program in 2021 due to concerns from residents about data privacy and potential misuse of the technology.

  • The Texas DPS installed the LPR cameras in Austin in February 2026.

The players

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency responsible for installing the license plate reader cameras in Austin.

City of Austin

The local government that had previously discontinued its own license plate reader program due to privacy concerns from residents.

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What’s next

The city of Austin is expected to challenge the state's installation of the LPR cameras, citing its previous decision to discontinue the technology due to privacy issues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between state and local authorities over the use of surveillance technologies, and the need to balance public safety with individual privacy rights.