AI in Russia Set to Track Trucks With Hidden License Plates
NtechLab neural network aims to stop drivers from evading penalties for overloading.
Russia has begun testing a new artificial intelligence–based system designed to catch trucks attempting to hide their license plates near weight-control checkpoints. The system, developed by NtechLab, a technology partner of Rostec, is intended to prevent violators from avoiding liability for overloading and to help protect road infrastructure. Vedomosti reported on the trial.
Overloaded trucks are among the main causes of rapid road deterioration and serious traffic accidents. In Russia, permissible truck weight is strictly regulated, ranging from 18 to 38 tonnes depending on the vehicle type. Exceeding these limits carries administrative penalties, including the possible suspension of driving licenses. To avoid enforcement, some drivers attempt to deceive the system by obscuring their license plates. The NtechLab solution is designed to close that loophole.
The system analyzes live video feeds from roadside cameras and can identify vehicles with concealed license plates within minutes. It then sends alerts to oversight authorities.
Evading Fines to Become Impossible
According to NtechLab CEO Alexey Palamarchuk, the system will make avoiding fines virtually impossible. The pilot is currently under way in the Kirov Region. If testing proves successful, the technology is expected to be rolled out in several Russian regions later this year.
Earlier, we reported that what was considered science fiction just three years ago is now a reality on Russian highways: autonomous trucks are already transporting goods daily from St. Petersburg to Kazan, from Moscow to Yekaterinburg, and beyond.
