New technology used to scan plates for unpaid court fines

Friday 25 July 2025 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 25 Jul 2025, 5:04pm

In this story Paul Goldsmith

The government is trialling handheld devices that scan number plates to identify vehicles owned by people evading court fines. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said bailiffs will use the technology to clamp or seize cars. This initiative aims to address over $100 million in unpaid court fines and outstanding reparations.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffFri 25 Jul 2025, 8:39am

   Parked car licence plates to get scanned in search of overdue court fines, vehicles to be clamped or seized (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsFri 25 Jul 2025, 9:55am

   Court fine evaders face being clamped as plate-scanning tech unveiled (opens in new tab)

3. RNZFri 25 Jul 2025, 10:49am

   Cars targeted in clampdown on unpaid court fines (opens in new tab)

   • What happens if your car is clamped or towed because of unpaid fines? (opens in new tab) Fri 25 Jul 2025, 5:04pm