Is license plate recognition forgery-proof?

No. Copying a license plate is laborious but not impossible; in the rating matrix ANPR scores 2 out of 5 for copy protection. For security-critical access points the plate is therefore combined with RFID or occupant detection.

What has to be considered for data protection?

License plates are personal data: a legal basis, data minimization, transparency and deletion periods are required. Capture depth and roles are configurable in the ControlHub, and on-premise operation is possible. This classification does not replace legal advice.

When is RFID the better choice?

For permanent users who also enter buildings, and wherever forgery protection counts. The RFID long-range reader recognizes up to 12 meters away and prevents multiple entries via anti-passback. For changing users the license plate remains cheaper.

License plate recognition for access points

License plate recognition (ANPR, automatic number plate recognition) reads a vehicle’s license plate with a camera and compares it with the stored permissions. If it matches, the barrier system opens without anyone presenting a credential or stopping.

The advantage is in administration: once a vehicle is registered, no further credential is needed. That suits residents with permanent permission as well as time-limited access, for example hotel or restaurant guests. The camera integrates discreetly into the MONOLITH control column.

The limits: higher acquisition cost for the camera, data protection questions and no forgery protection. Copying a license plate is laborious but not impossible. That is why security-critical access points combine the plate with a second factor.

Low cost per user

In the rating matrix “access methods compared”, license plate recognition scores 5 out of 5 for cost per user, convenience, opening speed, digital delivery and scalability; the sensor itself is the most expensive credential at 1 out of 5: to the matrix.

For changing users

Temporary access and flexible group quotas are kept as a plate list and distributed digitally. Suppliers get a permission without a parking pass being issued and collected again.

Combinable

License plate plus employee card (RFID): the vehicle is registered and the person at the wheel is authenticated. The AI Kit adds vehicle type, occupant and trailer detection, for example matching presented cards against detected occupants: AI-powered access control.

License plate, RFID or both?

Which credential fits depends on the scenario: permanent permission, temporary access or maximum security.

Credential	Strengths	Weaknesses	Suits
License plate recognition (ANPR)	no credential needed, cost-efficient per user, quickly adjustable, hands-free	expensive sensor, not forgery-proof, data protection to be regulated	residents, guests, suppliers, temporary access
RFID parking pass (card, chip)	forgery-proof, can be blocked if lost, also for building access	higher acquisition and administration cost per user, credential has to be issued	permanent users, employees
RFID long-range reader	recognition up to 12 meters, forgery-proof, non-transferable stickers, anti-passback	acquisition cost, credential per vehicle	emergency vehicles, fleets, permanent users
License plate + RFID	vehicle registered and person authenticated	two systems to maintain	security-critical access points

In detail in the articles License plate camera or long-range RFID reader and License plate recognition or parking pass.

Data protection with license plate recognition

A license plate is personal data. Anyone capturing it needs a legal basis, collects only what the access requires, informs transparently and sets deletion periods. For employees, co-determination under section 87 of the German Works Constitution Act may apply.

Capture depth: Capture depth, roles and rights are configurable in the ControlHub; the message archive logs movements per installation with a timestamp.
Data storage: The hardware and software architecture is designed for GDPR compliance. On request the ControlHub runs on-premise on the operator’s server, as in Hamburg in the isolated city network: cloud or on-premise.
Legal framework: What GDPR, the German KRITIS umbrella act and NIS2 mean for networked barrier systems is explained under standards and legal framework. This overview is for orientation and does not replace legal advice.

License plate recognition in use

City of Bruchsal: MONOLITH columns with integrated license plate cameras replace phone calls and radio transmitters; access authorization runs automatically: Bruchsal reference.
City of Trier: License plate recognition, phone and key switch at 23 access systems in the city center; permanent users via RFID, emergency vehicles via public safety radio: Trier reference.
Wilo SE, Dortmund: License plates from the VISIT visitor management automatically become access permissions at six installations: Wilo reference.
Components: Cameras and recognition come from component and sensor partners such as Vision Components and Carrida Technologies; they connect directly to the SmartKit or BaseLink.

Questions about license plate recognition

Is license plate recognition forgery-proof?: No. Copying a license plate is laborious but not impossible; in the rating matrix ANPR scores 2 out of 5 for copy protection. For security-critical access points the plate is therefore combined with RFID or occupant detection.
What has to be considered for data protection?: License plates are personal data: a legal basis, data minimization, transparency and deletion periods are required. Capture depth and roles are configurable in the ControlHub, and on-premise operation is possible. This classification does not replace legal advice.
When is RFID the better choice?: For permanent users who also enter buildings, and wherever forgery protection counts. The RFID long-range reader recognizes up to 12 meters away and prevents multiple entries via anti-passback. For changing users the license plate remains cheaper.

Choose credentials for your installation

In 30 minutes we show how a license plate permission is created in the ControlHub, and when RFID or the AI Kit should be added.

Book a demo (30 minutes)

Or describe your access point to us by e-mail to info@barriersystems.de.