Mecklenburg County License Plate Recognition

About the Program

Category: Financial Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The Mecklenburg County License Plate Recognition program was implemented in July 2012. The License Plate Recognition program is a joint initiative between the OTC and the Sheriff’s Office. The License Plate Recognition software employs cameras that are mounted on sheriff deputies’ vehicles. These cameras are programmed to scan and identify vehicle license plates of owners who are delinquent paying their vehicle property taxes. If a vehicle’s license plate is identified as being delinquent, the Sheriff’s deputy has the authority to place a warning sticker on the vehicle with notice that the tax must be paid within two days or further action will be taken. The License Plate Recognition program improves the administration of enforcement of vehicle taxes. The program provides a significant cost savings. It has resulted in fewer taxpayers who require a field visit and our collectors are spending less time in the office placing outbound calls to taxpayers, as well as sending delinquent notices, all in an effort to collect. The reduction in field visits and the number of collection letters, notices, bills, and postcards have allowed our collectors more time to conduct detailed research on the more complex tax issues and focus on taxpayers who remain delinquent.