Breaking News | New York Enforcement
NY Cracks Down on “Ghost Cars”: Hochul Launches Operation Plate Check Enforcement Week
Drivers using fake plates, toll evasion tactics and aggressive driving are being targeted across New York in a week-long crackdown.
Published: May 2026 | Source: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Key Facts
- Operation Plate Check runs from May 2 through May 9.
- The enforcement targets fake, altered and covered license plates.
- State Police will focus on toll evasion, aggressive driving and Move Over Law violations.
- The operation includes New York State Police, DMV, Thruway Authority and local law enforcement partners.
- Last year’s operation resulted in 3,308 license plate violation tickets.
- The 2025 Operation Plate Check recovered 14 stolen vehicles.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a targeted statewide enforcement campaign aimed at cracking down on so-called “ghost cars” — vehicles using fake, altered, obstructed or fraudulent license plates to avoid tolls, traffic cameras and law enforcement.
The week-long Operation Plate Check enforcement detail will run from Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9. New York State Police, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Thruway Authority and local law enforcement agencies are partnering to increase patrols and detect fraudulent license plates.
“Drivers who are using fake or altered license plates to avoid tolls or law enforcement are on notice — we do not take this crime lightly and you will be held accountable,” Governor Hochul said.
Officials say the crackdown is focused on public safety, toll fairness and preventing drivers from using fraudulent plates to avoid accountability on New York roads, bridges and tunnels.
Fake and Altered Plates Under Scrutiny
Law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in fictitious license plates, fraudulent temporary paper tags and drivers deliberately covering, obstructing or defacing plates. These tactics can prevent traffic cameras, license plate readers and toll systems from identifying vehicles.
During the enforcement period, State Police will add extra patrols to identify fraudulent license plates, aggressive drivers and motorists violating New York’s Move Over Law.
State Officials Warn Against Fake and Altered Plates
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said altering, concealing or using fake license plates is a deliberate attempt to evade responsibility on the road and can put public safety at risk.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said forged or altered plates are often used to avoid tolls or commit crimes while attempting to avoid detection.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said Operation Plate Check is also about making sure drivers who use the Thruway pay their fair share, since toll revenue supports the operation and maintenance of the 570-mile system.
Previous Enforcement Results
During last year’s enforcement operation, State Police issued 3,308 tickets for license plate violations, a 250 percent increase compared with 945 tickets issued in 2024.
Tickets for suspended registrations also increased by 57 percent, with 83 issued in 2025 compared with 53 in 2024. The 2025 Operation Plate Check also resulted in the recovery of 14 stolen vehicles.
Motorists with peeling or damaged license plates are encouraged to visit the DMV website for replacement plate instructions.
Q&A: New York Ghost Cars Crackdown
What is Operation Plate Check?
Operation Plate Check is a statewide enforcement campaign targeting vehicles with fake, altered, concealed or fraudulent license plates.
When does the enforcement take place?
The enforcement period runs from Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9.
What are “ghost cars”?
“Ghost cars” are vehicles using fake, altered, obstructed or fraudulent plates to avoid tolls, traffic cameras or law enforcement detection.
Which agencies are involved?
New York State Police, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Thruway Authority and local law enforcement agencies are participating.
What violations are being targeted?
Officials are targeting fake plates, altered plates, covered plates, aggressive driving, toll evasion and Move Over Law violations.
Why does this matter?
Officials say fraudulent plates can help drivers avoid tolls and traffic enforcement while making it harder for law enforcement to identify vehicles involved in crimes or dangerous driving.
Official Statement (Full Text)
Read Full Official Announcement
Source: Governor.ny.gov
Governor Hochul Announces Targeted Enforcement to Crack Down on Ghost Cars
Governor Hochul today announced that the New York State Police and other state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Thruway Authority, are partnering with local law enforcement to crack down on license plate fraud and dangerous driving behavior. The week-long Operation Plate Check enforcement detail starts on Saturday, May 2 and continues through Saturday, May 9.
“Drivers who are using fake or altered license plates to avoid tolls or law enforcement are on notice — we do not take this crime lightly and you will be held accountable,” Governor Hochul said. “This enforcement period is about safety and ensuring that those who are using our highways, bridges and tunnels are paying their fair share.”
Over the last few years, law enforcement has noted an increase in the use of fictitious license plates and fraudulent temporary paper tags by drivers who purposefully cover, obstruct and deface license plates to avoid traffic enforcement cameras, license plate readers and tolls.
During this year’s enforcement period, State Police will add extra patrols focused on identifying fraudulent license plates, and targeting aggressive drivers, and those violating the state’s Move Over Law. Troopers also will collaborate on joint license plate enforcement details with DMV and other state and local law enforcement partners.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Altering, concealing or using fake or fraudulent license plates is a deliberate attempt to evade responsibilities on our roadways. These violations are not just about avoiding tolls, they can hinder law enforcement and put the public safety at risk. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her support and our state and local partners for their efforts to hold accountable those who engage in these unlawful acts.”
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “We share Governor Hochul’s priority that New York’s roadways must be safe for everyone. We know that too many people are still trying to use forged or otherwise altered plates to avoid paying tolls or to commit a crime thinking they can get away with it, and I applaud the leadership of the Governor and the efforts of our DMV staff and our law enforcement partners in this continued collaboration to build on improving public safety in New York.”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The New York State Thruway is a user-fee-supported system, with toll revenue accounting for approximately 90 percent of the resources needed to operate, maintain and improve our 570-mile superhighway. Operation Plate Check is about educating drivers and ensuring everyone who travels the Thruway pays their fair share. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership, along with our partners at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the New York State Police, for helping remind motorists of their responsibility to properly display license plates and pay the tolls that keep the Thruway safe, reliable and affordable.”
During last year’s enforcement operation State Police issued 3,308 tickets for license plate violations, which was a 250 percent increase compared to 945 tickets issued in 2024. Tickets issued for suspended registrations increased by 57 percent, with 83 issued in 2025 compared to 53 issued in 2024.
In addition to tickets issued, the 2025 “Operation Plate Check” resulted in the recovery of 14 stolen vehicles.
Any motorists with peeling and damaged license plates are encouraged to visit the DMV website for detailed instructions on replacement plates.
May 1, 2026 — Albany, NY
AI Summary
New York is launching Operation Plate Check, a targeted enforcement campaign against “ghost cars” using fake, altered or obstructed license plates. The crackdown runs May 2 through May 9 and focuses on toll evasion, aggressive driving, Move Over Law violations and fraudulent plate use across the state.
Original source: Governor.ny.gov
