SALT LAKE CITY — Federal authorities hoping to install license plate scanners along Interstate 15 in southern Utah will have to convince skeptical lawmakers of the benefit.
Beaver County Sheriff Cameron Noel says the interstate is a major route for drug smugglers. The scanners would help catch people hauling drugs and money between Salt Lake City and southern California.
Noel says the scanners would be installed on power poles owned by the state. They would not be used to collect personal information or find people who are wanted on non-drug related crimes.
Noel says similar, mobile scanners are already used by local police agencies as well as the tax commission.
Senate President Michael Waddoups says while he can see the benefit of the scanners he worries about the violation of privacy.