Apparatus and method for acquiring images of car license plates, the apparatus is configured to be part of an LPR (License Plate Recognition) system. The apparatus includes a camera, a multi band-pass filter, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and an illumination control board. The camera is configured for acquiring the images, having a focus shift corrected lens. The multi band-pass filter is coupled to the focus shift corrected lens, being configured for allowing only wavelengths of multiple predetermined spectrum ranges to reach the lens. Each one of said LEDs is configured for emitting light in at least one of the multiple predetermined spectrum ranges for the purpose of illuminating the car license plates and their vicinity. The illumination control board is coupled to the LEDs and to the camera, for controlling operation thereof.