ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that the state is launching a week-long crackdown on so-called “ghost cars.”
Ghost cars are vehicles with fake or altered license plates used to avoid traffic enforcement cameras, license plate readers and tolls.
State police and other state agencies will partner with local law enforcement for Operation Plate Check. The enforcement detail starts Saturday and continues through 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,” 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.”
The governor said police have 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.
During last year’s enforcement operation, state police issued 3,308 tickets for license plate violations, a 250% increase from 945 in 2024. Tickets issued for suspended registrations increased by 57%, 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.
Motorists with peeling and damaged license plates are encouraged to visit the DMV website, where detailed instructions for replacement plates are listed: dmv.ny.gov/plates/peeling-and-damaged-license-plates.
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