Abstract: A system for automatically reading identification data on a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a television camera connected to a processor unit, with a memory unit containing an identification data list relating to n vehicles, said list being pre-acquired or being acquired at the beginning of each transaction, and means for reading the contents of the memory and for comparing said contents with the output signal from the processor unit to supply a recognition or non-recognition signal which is applied to automatic control means for controlling a device that authorizes or does not authorize access. For each vehicle, said identification data is constituted by the vehicle number plate which is associated with an additional optical marker adjacent to the number plate, said marker being selected in such a manner as to produce a highly characteristic video signal which is easily analyzed by said processor unit.