The crackdown on "ghost cars" is intensifying in New York City as officials from NYPD and the city sanitation department set their sights on vehicles with fake or obscured license plates. According to a Gothamist report, about 5,000 such vehicles have been seized since September, amid concerns that drivers might use illegal plates to dodge the upcoming congestion pricing tolls.
Gothamist detailed that this move is a part of an initiative started by the MTA last year to combat toll evasion. With the congestion pricing plan set to begin on Jan. 5, charging a daytime fee to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, officials fear an rise in the use of fraudulent plates to elude the charge. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine's report supposes these "ghost cars" may cost the city up to $200 million annually.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch made the issue clear when she stated, "We are seeing the same photocopied fake plates on different cars leaving crime scenes," in a statement acquired by Gothamist. The statement came as part of an announcement that besides the financial loss, these ghost cars are also linked to criminal activities.
As enforcement ramps up, products have surfaced on social media promising to help drivers evade the new tolls. PIX11 reports that offers from companies like Hide Plates and Phantom Plate boast of technologies that can obstruct cameras from reading license plates. Catherine Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, warned against such practices: "If you attempt to cross MTA bridges or tunnels without paying tolls, officers will pull you over, and you will face vehicle seizure, summonses, fines, and/or arrest," she said.
These precautionary actions underscore the city's commitment to address fare evasion and traffic law compliance amidst the new traffic measures. Regional officials have also taken steps to involve e-commerce platforms, having partnered with Amazon to prevent the sale of license plate covers. Drivers found using obscured plates can be hit with fines up to $500, reminding residents and commuters that skirting city regulations will lead to stiff penalties.
