Norwegian drivers are discovering the hard way that automated license plate scanners make it nearly impossible to escape vehicle inspections. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration recently conducted checks on the E16 highway in Akershus, revealing how quickly authorities can identify vehicles with outstanding issues.
During a single Friday afternoon, thousands of vehicles passed through inspection points without being stopped. These drivers had all their paperwork in order. But thirty vehicle owners received notices about deficiencies in their cars. Sixteen vehicles received usage bans, six owners faced fines, and five drivers were reported to police.
The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology that reads license plates of all passing vehicles. It cross-references them with the Road Administration's databases. Vehicles with complete documentation continue driving uninterrupted. Those with unresolved issues with the government or insurance companies get pulled over immediately.
Last year, authorities stopped 48,000 vehicles for inspection. Over 30,000 received deficiency notices, 8,654 received usage bans, and 888 drivers were reported for vehicles with serious faults. These numbers demonstrate how effectively the system identifies problematic vehicles and owners.
Roy H. Holm, a section chief with the Road Administration, explained the technology's impact. "Previously, our crews had difficulty identifying these vehicles. With these license plate scanners, the job has become much easier. The chance of being caught for irregularities has become much greater. If a vehicle has any kind of outstanding issue, it takes one second before the system alerts controllers and the vehicle gets waved in for inspection."
The Road Administration currently operates 75-80 such license plate scanners nationwide. Fifty of these are mobile units that move between locations. The remainder are permanently installed at inspection stations and the border crossing at Svinesund.
Over recent months, authorities have inspected 45,000 vehicles. Among these, 1,100 were selected and stopped due to various deficiencies. The scale of the problem becomes clear when examining current statistics. Approximately 115,000 vehicles on Norwegian roads lack approved EU control or have been requested for de-registration. Another 130,000 vehicles lack mandatory liability insurance or traffic insurance premiums.
This automated enforcement system represents a significant shift in traffic monitoring. The technology enables targeted enforcement rather than random checks. It prioritizes road safety by focusing resources on vehicles that pose genuine risks. The system's efficiency means drivers with unresolved issues have little chance of avoiding detection during routine operations.
Norwegian authorities have clearly invested in technology that makes non-compliance increasingly difficult. The message to drivers is straightforward. Resolve any outstanding vehicle issues promptly. Otherwise, expect to be pulled over during the next highway inspection.