Governor Hochul Announces Targeted Enforcement to Crack Down on Ghost Cars

New York State Police are Partnering With State and Local Agencies To Increase Patrols, Detect Fraudulent License Plates and Target Aggressive Drivers Violating the Move Over Law

Operation Plate Check Enforcement Detail From Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9 

Governor Hochul 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.

During last year’s enforcement operation State Police issued 3,308 tickets forlicense 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.