Karmactive Staff
Law enforcement agencies across New York marked their 100th operation against ghost cars on August 19, 2025, at the RFK Bridge. Since launching in March 2024, the crackdown has removed 5,343 vehicles with fake, altered, or obscured license plates from city streets. These ghost cars, virtually untraceable by cameras and toll readers, often indicate vehicles that are unregistered, uninsured, or stolen. The multi-agency effort has led to approximately 1,300 arrests and 50,000 summonses over the past 17 months.
“Ghost cars aren’t just illegal – they are a public safety threat,” said NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “The results are clear: more than 5,300 illegal cars taken off the streets.”
The 16-agency task force includes MTA Bridges and Tunnels, NYPD, State Police, Port Authority Police, and several county departments. Their work has helped reduce unbillable tolls at MTA crossings by 20% since operations began.r
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber warned drivers using fraudulent plates: “If you cover your plates, you will get caught and you will pay the price – not just the toll you evaded.”
In 2025 alone, 38 enforcement operations have resulted in 1,893 towed vehicles with approximately $11.5 million in unpaid tolls, fees, and judgments owed to task force partners.
The crackdown uses advanced technology to catch violators. MTA Bridges and Tunnels deployed drones that feed video into license plate reader systems to identify vehicles with suspended registrations. Mobile license plate reader trailers are positioned strategically around the city, including near the Congestion Relief Zone south of 60th Street.
When congestion pricing began in January 2025, the task force expanded operations into this zone. So far, 11 operations inside the zone have resulted in 97 towed vehicles.
The illegal practice of forging or altering license plates grew during the pandemic, with drivers using counterfeit temporary paper plates to mask their identities. Officials note that ghost cars are often linked to more serious crimes.
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During an April 2025 operation, officers caught a driver in a stolen vehicle who had multiple warrants and was in possession of crack cocaine. In June 2025, officers arrested a driver with a stolen vehicle who was carrying a loaded firearm and marijuana.
New legal measures are helping the crackdown. The FY 2025 budget increased fines for driving with altered plates, banned the sale of covers that obscure license plates, and restricted DMV registration transactions for vehicles with suspended registrations due to unpaid tolls.
“The coordination between officers and our regional law enforcement partners has resulted in increased accountability on our roads,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan.
Mayor Eric Adams noted that city agencies have removed over 110,000 additional ghost and illegal vehicles since his administration began. “New Yorkers deserve streets that are safe for families and communities,” he said. “Those violating the law know that the days of ‘anything goes’ are over.”
The MTA also warns drivers about toll payment scams. Legitimate toll agencies never send text messages with payment links. Drivers should use E-ZPass or pay Tolls by Mail bills through official channels like the Tolls NY app or the official payment phone line.
With 100 operations completed and unbillable tolls down 20%, officials see the enforcement effort as a success in making roads safer while ensuring drivers pay their fair share.
