In a major crackdown on illegal and untraceable vehicles, Mayor Eric Adams announced a significant milestone for New York City—over 100,000 "ghost vehicles" and other unauthorized two-wheelers have been removed from the streets since his term began in 2022. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) in collaboration with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) seized these vehicles, which include cars with forged or altered plates and illegally operated mopeds, scooters, bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a celebrated action aimed at enhancing the quality of life for city residents, according to the Mayor's office.
"When it comes to public safety, we're not just enforcing the law — we're literally crushing it," Mayor Adams stated in the press release, referencing the hundreds of illegal two-wheeled vehicles being destroyed to prevent their reuse in crimes, this move sends a strong message to those thinking to evade the law using such vehicles, they will face the consequences. NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell noted that these vehicles had become a growing public safety concern, as they were increasingly linked to criminal activities such as shootings and robberies. She stated that, through the combined efforts of the NYPD and the Administration, these risks are now being progressively addressed.
Illegal vehicles, termed "ghost cars" due to their lack of traceability, are not only a public safety threat but also economic detractors, accumulating millions in unpaid tolls and fees as per DSNY Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan who stressed the administration's role in eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that previously impeded the swift removal of these nuisances from the streets, as reported by the Mayor's office.
Law enforcement efforts have resulted in significant progress. A special task force established in 2024 removed more than 14,000 ghost cars, and in 2025 alone, over 10,745 additional ghost cars were taken off New York streets. This was part of a coordinated interagency initiative involving the NYPD, Sheriff's Office, MTA officers, State Police, DMV, and Port Authority Police, which carried out more than 85 operations. These efforts led to numerous arrests and vehicle seizures, with the involved vehicle owners owing over $56 million in unpaid tolls and fees.
This enforcement effort has coincided with a 6.3 percent year-to-date decrease in overall index crime across the city, indicating the potential impact of such initiatives. Officials, including U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis and New York State Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, have acknowledged Mayor Adams and his administration for addressing an issue that influences both quality of life and public safety in neighborhoods throughout New York City.
