According to a recent report from the Moscow-based research firm IHS Markit, global revenue from smart license-plate-recognition technology is expected to grow to $800 million by 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 16.5%. As video analytics capabilities continue to expand, these devices are set to become part of the “safe smart city” concept in the near future. In Russia, license plate recognition systems are being adopted gradually, but the volume of this technology in use is clearly growing every year.

As of 2026–2027, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR/LPR) technology has become one of the key growth areas within intelligent video surveillance.

It's actively used in parking lots, residential complexes, logistics centers, industrial sites, and as part of citywide traffic management systems. Modern algorithms can perform reliably even in poor weather, at night, and in heavy traffic conditions.

Why Is License Plate Recognition Needed?

Building a license plate recognition system requires quality video equipment and software with the right recording and analytics settings. Programs like these are used to solve a wide range of tasks that involve tracking vehicles:

  • •          Monitoring vehicle traffic flow. This option is a good fit for companies whose premises see a constant stream of vehicles.
  • •          Monitoring parking spaces. Cameras help keep vehicles secure and track parking payments.
  • •          Access control for vehicle entry. This equipment can be used to restrict entry by unauthorized vehicles onto secured and/or private property.
  • •          Recording how long a vehicle stays on the premises. This is also useful for parking lot owners who charge by the hour.
  • •          Registering vehicles and compiling a list of vehicles that have entered the premises
  • •          Access management. Video analytics builds “whitelists” and “blacklists” of visitors. If an unwelcome vehicle approaches, the barrier simply won't open.
  • •          Preventing traffic violations and issuing timely penalties for them. This particular application of license plate recognition has been in place in Russia for a long time and is familiar to everyone — the traffic cameras we all know.

Many software developers also account for the variety of license plate formats in a given country, including foreign ones. As a result, some systems can determine which country a vehicle is from and flag this accordingly in the records.

On top of that, modern platforms can automatically cross-reference a license plate against a company's internal databases, CRM systems, and access control systems. This significantly speeds up the work of security staff and cuts down entry times for regular visitors and employees.

Russian Legislation

There's no single piece of legislation in Russia governing video surveillance. What matters most is the specific context in which the surveillance system is used. Here are the main rules for installing license plate recognition cameras:

  • •          Collecting and compiling lists of license plate numbers doesn't count as personal data (since this information can't be used to identify the driver, and it isn't made publicly available)
  • •          If an image of a person is captured while filming in public spaces (parking lots, roads, a company's private property, etc.), written consent to collect personal data isn't required
  • •          The surveillance and license plate recognition system must not be hidden, and notice signs need to be posted on the premises where the cameras are installed
  • •          Filming must not be directed at a single person or a specific group of people. Otherwise, the system's owner would be violating that person's constitutional right to privacy.

When rolling out video analytics systems in 2026–2027, it's also advisable to take into account personal data processing and information security regulations. This is especially relevant for sites with high visitor traffic and for video systems integrated with corporate databases.

TOP 4 Best License Plate Identification Services and Software

Software for identifying vehicle license plates should perform the following functions:

  • •          Interacting with an established license plate database, and adding new information to it
  • •          Searching for a specific vehicle based on data in the database (for example, to let through a visitor from a “whitelist”)
  • •          Recognizing license plates on both moving and stationary vehicles

In 2020, the software market for these functions expanded significantly. Here are 4 of the best services:

1. Faceter

The service's intelligent capabilities make it possible to install the system in courtyards and parking lots to help maintain order and security and resolve disputes.

Thanks to its cloud-based data storage, all you need is a few IP cameras and a regular phone or tablet to use as a monitor. For more on how to set up the system, see our articles “4 Steps to Connect a Surveillance Camera to Your Phone” and “Turning an Old Smartphone into a Surveillance Camera.”

The cost of using the Faceter cloud service: internet access plus your chosen plan (starting at 290 rubles per month).

Modern cloud platforms also make it possible to receive notifications when a specific vehicle appears, generate visit statistics, and automatically grant access to the premises without an operator having to get involved.

2. HikVision

A security system from a major global company. License plate recognition is supported by all of HikVision's fourth-generation cameras. The owner only needs the camera itself, which they connect to through a browser.

A distinctive feature of this system is that vehicle-entry data isn't saved to a database at all — the entire security setup operates purely in real time.

3. Axis

The developers managed to create an application that installs directly onto an IP camera, meaning the entire license plate recognition system interacts with the device directly.

4. NomerOk

This hardware-and-software package is designed specifically for license plate identification. The installed software recognizes up to 98% of registration plates.

The price of the HikVision, Axis, and NomerOk systems depends on a number of factors — the cost of the cameras, the software, additional equipment, and so on. Because of this, it's difficult to state an exact price for these services.

In recent years, the market has been moving increasingly toward cloud-based and hybrid solutions that combine license plate recognition, access control, video archiving, and analytics reporting in a single interface. This is especially in demand among property management companies, logistics centers, and commercial real estate owners.

Conclusion

A license plate recognition system can be used for automated monitoring and security at a wide range of sites. By using the Faceter service, you get high-quality service at an affordable price, along with a video surveillance system that's easy to use, self-configuring, and self-updating.

By 2026–2027, license plate recognition technology is becoming a key part of the digital infrastructure of businesses and cities alike.

Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, these systems don't just capture license plate numbers — they also help automate access control, analyze traffic flow, and raise the overall level of security at a given site.