Despite being ubiquitous, they seem to hide themselves very effectively and may not be spotted at first glance. If you find their car, then you can be assured one or more of them are in your area. Found in most cities except not yet New York. I have been automaticized in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Atlanta. Instead of a handwritten ticket, you will find a computerized print-out that records the minute action of the machine's penetration of your car.
Details are usually accurate, illegibility is moot.
Sometimes these automatons use information gathered from your car's registration stickers. This is called Systemic Abuse. The Three-Wheeled Complex. The problem is that no self-respecting officer, and usually they are men who drive these insufficient vehicles, will be caught dead in one. Officers are assigned these carts for simple incompetency on the work force.