73,000 Illegal Vehicles Removed from NYC Streets

By Y.M. Lowy

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have announced the removal of over 73,000 illegal vehicles from city streets since the start of the Adams administration. This includes more than 20,000 “ghost cars” — vehicles with fake or altered license plates that evade detection by traffic cameras and toll readers — and over 53,000 illegal motorized bikes, scooters, and ATVs.

These vehicles, often linked to violent crimes like shootings, robberies, and hit-and-runs, pose a significant threat to public safety. They also cost taxpayers millions in unpaid tolls and fees, funds that could be used for essential services.

Since BoroPark24 reported in September, a joint city-state task force has removed more than 5,000 ghost cars in just 12 weeks. Mayor Adams highlighted the urgency of the effort, stating, “Ghost cars contribute to disorder and crime. We’ve taken action to remove these illegal vehicles from our streets to protect New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul reinforced this commitment, emphasizing the partnership between city and state agencies to crack down on offenders and prioritize safety. 

This ongoing effort restores safety, deters crime, and frees up parking for law-abiding residents, underscoring the city’s dedication to a safer New York.