Quick Guide to Best License Plate Security Cameras

License Plate Security Cameras (or LPR cameras) are security cameras that capture a car's licence plate number clearly and sharply even at night. We’ve done the research and summarize top 4 important points to consider when choosing best license plate security cameras.

We've put together a guide to help you choose a car security camera for overnight monitoring: Go Back To Car Security Camera Guide

The CCTV cameras in this post are home security cameras to help you recognize the license plates in a certain distance.

What to Look for in Vehicle License Plate Recognition Security Cameras

What is the minimum specification of a CCTV camera to be able to reliably read vehicle number plates at day/night?

Check the necessary license plate IP cameras specifications below.

• High Definition

• Night Vision

• Waterproof

• Optical Zoom

#1. Buy License Plate Reading Security Cameras with High Definition

The first determining specification in license plate security cameras (systems) is undoubtedly high definition.
HD IP security cameras can capture clear license plate numbers.

2MP (1080p), 4MP (1440p), and even 5MP security cameras (a great development in HD security camera industry) can help you identify license plate numbers from a long distance.

Get Details: Can 1080pSecurity Cameras Be Enough for Identification of License Plate and People?

According to the tests of our R&D team, 1080p security cameras (fixed camera lens: f=4.0 mm, F=2.0) can recognize license plates within 13ft.

Please note that the result is based on the ideal environment. In practice, the 1080p security camera might not recognize the license plate due to moving-fast vehicles, long distance, etc.

For capturing much clearer license plate numbers, you can try 4MP and 5MP license plate security cameras. Higher resolution means more pixels, which enables you to get much clearer and better images.

#2. Get License Plate Security Cameras with Long Range Night Vision

Long range night vision license plate IP cameras can help you identify license plate numbers clearly at night.

Though most home break-ins or package thefts happen at day time, your property security at night cannot be overlooked.

For Your Reference: How to Prevent Daytime Burglary >>

When you look for night vision security cameras, don’t forget to buy infrared license plate security cameras. Infrared security cameras are not the same as common “night vision” security cameras. The infrared security cameras can work well even under utter dark environments, while traditional night vision security cameras fail to do so.

For example, RLC-823A PTZ long night vision security camera would be a nice option for reading license plates at low light conditions. Its 190ft long night vision distance is really outstanding among home security products.

#3. Purchase License Plate Reader Security Cameras with Waterproof Design

When you need to capture license plate numbers passing by your property outside, make sure that your license plate recognition surveillance cameras are able to withstand powerful water jets and dust.

Try IP66 outdoor security cameras. This type of outdoor license plate security cameras can capture clear images even at rainy days.

For example, when you install a license plate security camera at the entrance of your driveway or your subdivision, the security camera can record or capture the vehicle plate numbers. Without waterproof design, the security camera would not work outdoors.

Help Me Choose Driveway Security Cameras

For not missing any license plates or any other important event, you can install a wireless/PoE IP camera system for reading license plates, or grabbing faces. It offers you 24/7 recording so you won’t miss anything.

#4. Choose License Plate Security Cameras with Optical Zoom

Thanks for the optical zoom function of security cameras, you can zoom in to view the details of license plates without degrading image quality.

For example, if your security camera captures the package thieves’ license plate, you can download the images or videos to zoom in to recognize the license number.

There was a case that a gang of package thieves’ car license plate got caught by a security camera. The license plate was very clear, and it was really helpful for the crime investigation.

Reolink RLC-823A is a PoE PTZ security camera with 5X optical zoom, which allows you to zoom in or out to read license plates based on your own specific needs.

Below are some of the best security cameras for license plates recognition.

Hot Picks of License Plate Security Cameras & Systems

Check the top picks of LPR security cameras below, and you will get the best license plate security cameras suit you best.

No. 1 Reolink CX410

CX410 adopts Reolink's latest full-color night vision technology-colorX. This camera has a 1/1.8'' sensor and an F1.0 aperture, allowing it to soak in more light. It can capture license plates and videos even in places with low light. Equipped with Person, Vehicle, and Pet Detection, the CX410 is a highly recommended choice for comprehensive surveillance.

Note: Reolink is introducing a new camera CX810 in 2024. It's a 4K version with enhanced ColorX technology compared to the CX410. Explore this new product on Reolink's online booth at the 2024 CES.
If you're interested in security cameras, you can also learn about other new Reolink products at the CES event in 2024.

No. 2 RLC-823A

Combining 4K 8MP ultra HD, 190ft night vision, IP66 waterproof and 5X optical zoom in a standalone security camera, RLC-823A is undoubtedly one of the best LPR IP security cameras.

The bonus point of this PoE license plate security camera is its 360-degree endless pan and 90-degree tilt. You can scan everywhere of your property. This camera is good enough to capture number plates during day and night.

No.3 Reolink RLK8-800B4

Featuring 4K/8MP ultra high resolution, security system RLK8-800B4 can record cars near your property clearly with vivid details, day and night. Also with person/vehicle detection, you'll get instant alerts when RLK8-800B4 detects a car.

Here is a video sample captured by this system that shows a police car chasing in a neighborhood.