License Plate Recognition (LPR) Parking System - Frequently Asked Questions
Tennessee Tech’s Parking and Transportation Office implemented License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology in Fall 2025 as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance parking services on campus. This system helps streamline parking operations, improve enforcement efficiency, and provide a more convenient experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about LPR.
Why is it important for vehicles to pull into parking spaces head-first (rather than pulling through or backing in)?
LPR cameras are designed to read license plates from the rear of vehicles. When a vehicle pulls through or backs into a space, the rear plate may face away from the camera, making it unreadable. For this reason, drivers are requested to pull in head-first so their plate is visible to the LPR system, ensuring accurate reads and compliance. However, front-mounted Tech vanity plates will be available for those who prefer to back in or pull through. For more information, email parking@tntech.edu.
How do I get a Tennessee Tech vanity license plate, and what should I know about it?
For those who prefer to pull through or back into a parking space, the university provides one complimentary Tennessee Tech vanity license plate for the front bumper of your primary vehicle, so the LPR camera technology can read the plate correctly.
This vanity plate will remain valid as long as you are:
- an active employee
- active student
- The holder of a current parking permit
Vanity plate must be returned to the Parking and Transportation Office upon termination of employment, withdrawal, or graduation from Tennessee Tech.
To request your vanity license plate, please visit the Parking and Transportation Office in Room 122, Roaden University Center.
What is LPR?
LPR stands for License Plate Recognition. It’s a virtual parking permit system that uses your vehicle’s license plate as your permit. No physical hangtags or decals are needed.
How does LPR work?
When you register your vehicle through the Parking Portal, your license plate becomes your virtual permit. Mounted cameras scan license plates and verify active parking permissions in real time.
Do I still need to display a physical permit?
No. Once your vehicle is registered and your permit is active, nothing needs to be displayed. Your license plate is your permit.
Can I register more than one vehicle?
Yes, employees can register multiple vehicles, but only one registered vehicle may be parked on campus at a time. If more than one registered vehicle is found on campus simultaneously, a citation may be issued.
What if I get a new car or license plate?
Please update your vehicle and plate information promptly in the Parking Portal. Accurate information is crucial for compliance with the LPR system.
Will this system impact visitor parking?
Visitor parking procedures remain in place. Virtual visitor permits are still required and must be registered in the system.
Visitors can obtain a virtual permit:
- Online
- At the Parking and Transportation office
- Using a QR code posted on the visitor parking areas
Will my vehicle information be used or shared for any other purpose?
No. Vehicle information collected through the LPR system is not shared with third parties and is used solely for parking enforcement purposes.