ALPR vs AiLPR: Understanding the Shift to Smart Enforcement

Not all license plate readers are created equal.

For years, ALPR—Automatic License Plate Recognition—has been a powerful tool for law enforcement. But the world has changed. Threats move faster. Budgets are tighter. And officers need tools that think as fast as they act.

That’s why the industry is moving from ALPR to AiLPR—and why Aeye Systems is leading the charge.

What Is ALPR?

Traditional ALPR systems use cameras to capture license plates and compare them against hot lists. They’ve been around for decades and have helped recover stolen vehicles, track fugitives, and assist with traffic enforcement.

But here’s the problem: Most legacy ALPR systems are slow, expensive, and dumb.

They:

• Send images back to central servers for processing

• Alert officers after the fact

• Require multiple screens, clicks, and manual oversight

• Cost $20,000 to $30,000 per vehicle

What Is AiLPR?

AiLPR—Artificial Intelligence License Plate Recognition—adds intelligence where ALPR stops. It processes data at the edge, provides instant alerts, and helps officers take action in real time.

With Aeye Systems’ AiLPR:

• Alerts are delivered while the suspect is still in front of you

• The system detects make, model, color, and plate

• Everything runs onboard, so internet issues don’t stall you

• It costs under $6,000 per unit—allowing full-fleet coverage

• And soon, you’ll be able to issue citations by voice

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ALPR vs AiLPR: The Key Differences

Capability	Traditional ALPR	Aeye AiLPR
Plate Recognition	✅	✅
Make/Model/Color Detection	❌	✅
Real-Time Edge Alerts	❌	✅
Hands-Free Operation	❌	✅ (via aiPartner)
Internet Required	✅	❌
Cost Per Vehicle	$20K–$30K	~$6K
Fleetwide Affordability	❌	✅

Why This Shift Matters

Officers don’t have time to wait for slow alerts. Departments don’t have room in the budget for overpriced systems. And communities deserve technology that actually works when it’s needed.

AiLPR gives every patrol car the power to protect. Not just the ones with a bloated tech grant.

Modern Problems Require Modern Tools

ALPR was a breakthrough. AiLPR is the evolution.

Aeye Systems didn’t just update the tech—we reinvented it from the ground up. Real-time. AI-powered. Voice-ready. Built for police, not IT departments.

Make the shift to smart enforcement.

Talk to our team about what ai4 with AiLPR can do for your agency.