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TxDOT Halts New Flock License-Plate Reader Permits in Texas

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:09 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Abbott halts Flock funding

TxDOT suspended issuing new permits for Flock automated license-plate readers on Texas state roadways on September 18, 2026.
Investigations have led to a Lufkin officer’s 100-count indictment and a Deer Park detective’s suspension for unauthorized plate searches.
Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to halt funding for Flock cameras in late August.
An estimated 13,000 Flock cameras are operating across Texas.

Right

Patel cites predator captures

TxDOT suspended issuing new permits for Flock automated license-plate reader cameras on Texas state roadways on September 18, 2026.
Governor Abbott’s directive stresses use, with FBI Director Kash Patel testifying the cameras are accessed case-by-case and helped locate child-predator suspects.
The funding halt was prompted because most installations are financed by cities with federal funds, Abbott noted.
About 900 Department of Public Safety cameras will keep operating despite the permit freeze.

History

Historical Context

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Congress enacted the USA PATRIOT Act on October 26, 2001, passing it 357-66 and later reauthorizing it in 2005, which broadened federal surveillance powers. Those authorities paved the way for widespread automated license-plate readers, prompting privacy challenges that resurfaced in September 2026 when TxDOT and Governor Greg Abbott halted new camera permits.

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Abbott halts Flock funding

TxDOT suspended issuing new permits for Flock automated license-plate readers on Texas state roadways on September 18, 2026.
Investigations have led to a Lufkin officer’s 100-count indictment and a Deer Park detective’s suspension for unauthorized plate searches.
Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to halt funding for Flock cameras in late August.
An estimated 13,000 Flock cameras are operating across Texas.

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