New York State is intensifying efforts to crack down on drivers using fake or altered license plates to evade tolls, red light cameras, and law enforcement. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the establishment of a specialized task force aimed at apprehending individuals operating "ghost vehicles" equipped with fraudulent plates.
The task force, named "Ghostbusters," brings together approximately 150 members from various law enforcement and transportation agencies, including the NYPD, MTA Bridge and Tunnel Officers, State Troopers, Port Authority Police, the New York City Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. These agencies will collaborate to share intelligence and implement monthly sting operations at different tolling locations across the state.
During their first operation on Monday, the task force issued 142 summonses, seized 30 vehicles, removed plates from others, and made three arrests. Mayor Adams highlighted the prevalence of cars with "fraudulent, defaced, or nonexistent" plates, emphasizing that some drivers change plates frequently to avoid detection.
In response to concerns about law enforcement personnel obscuring or faking their plates, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey stated that one officer was fired last year for violating toll regulations. The NYPD is committed to ensuring compliance among its ranks.
The use of altered plates not only facilitates toll evasion but also aids criminals in escaping crime scenes, as Mayor Adams pointed out. These "ghost vehicles" pose a significant threat to public safety, allowing perpetrators of violent crimes to vanish without a trace.
The task force's formation underscores the state's determination to tackle this persistent issue, which costs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority an estimated $50 million annually. By coordinating efforts and conducting targeted operations, officials aim to curb license plate fraud and ensure that all drivers uphold their legal responsibilities.