Plate-Scanning Systems seized in Italy Amidst Legal Scrutiny Over Traffic Violations
Catanzaro, Italy – Authorities on the Ionian coast of Calabria recently seized several “Targa System” devices – automated license plate recognition (LPR) systems coupled with software – sparking renewed debate over their legality in detecting traffic violations.The seizures, which occurred last week, center on the systems’ ability to identify vehicles with outstanding issues related to theft, impoundment, lapsed mandatory vehicle inspections (revisione), and missing compulsory auto insurance (RC Auto).
The controversy echoes similar disputes over the past two decades, often hinging on interpretations of existing regulations, according to investigators with the State Police and Guardia di Finanza, operating under the direction of the catanzaro prosecutor’s office.
At issue is whether the Targa System constitutes an approved method for remotely detecting infractions.A key determination involves verifying if the device is listed as approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure (MIT) for ascertaining remote violations - that is, without an officer physically present. Checks of the MIT website and manufacturer documentation reveal the targa System is not listed as approved and is marketed by the manufacturer as a “support” for detecting violations, not a standalone detection system.
This interpretation is reinforced by a February 8, 2019, response from the Ministry of the Interior to a request for clarification regarding the enforcement of RC Auto and revisione requirements. The Ministry stated that issuing citations solely based on the results from such equipment is not permissible due to the lack of required highway code approval. The device,therefore,can only function as a technical aid to officers actively conducting traffic enforcement,not as a remote detection tool.
