Does license plate recognition work at night, read the rear plate, how is it installed, does it work with existing cameras? Clear answers to the most asked questions.
We gathered the most common questions people ask before buying a license plate recognition system. Start with the short answers; follow the links for deeper guides.
How does license plate recognition work?
The camera captures the vehicle, AI locates the plate, an OCR engine turns characters into text and a rule engine decides "authorized?". If approved, the barrier/gate is triggered and entry/exit is logged. See How License Plate Recognition Works.
Does it read the rear plate too?
The camera reads the plate on whichever side it faces. To manage entry and exit separately, two cameras (front and rear direction) are used. A single camera reads one direction.
Does it work at night or in bad weather?
Yes; with an IR-illuminated, WDR-capable plate camera, high accuracy is achieved at night, in shadow and in difficult light. Camera choice is decisive here; see Plate Recognition Camera Selection Guide.
Does it work with my existing security camera?
If the camera supports RTSP/ONVIF and provides an angle/resolution that shows the plate clearly, it often works. General security cameras may not always provide the ideal angle; see IP Camera ANPR Compatibility Guide.
How is it installed?
The camera is mounted at a suitable distance and height so it sees the plate at a narrow horizontal and vertical angle; then the software is calibrated and the barrier integrated. Site conditions (distance, light, cabling) affect installation.
Where is it used?
Residential complexes, paid car parks, factory and logistics entrances, malls, hotels and campuses. Each scenario has a slightly different flow (subscriber/guest, paid tariff, etc.).
Does it require internet?
Offline (on-device) systems work without internet. PlakaNet works this way; images do not go to the cloud.
Is it legal under data protection law?
Yes, when used properly. A plate is personal data; retention, access and purpose of records are your responsibility. On-device systems make this compliance easier.
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