Abstract: An infrared illuminator and camera system for high contrast imaging of non-retro-reflective license plates utilizing a combination of temporal filtering via pulsed LED illumination, spectral filtering using high transmission narrow band pass optical filters placed directly on the CCD sensor, and an IR sensitive camera with adjustable computer controlled settings to produce high definition, high contrast images of a wide range of both retro-reflective and non-retro-reflective surfaces including vehicle license plates, ISO shipping containers, and transport trucks with DOT ID numbers on fenders for use in weigh in motion systems, and can operate in all lighting conditions from total darkness to bright sunlight.