Crackdown on License Plate Cheats

By Y.M. Lowy

A statewide crackdown on fake and defaced license plates has resulted in over 3,300 tickets in New York following the launch of the first-ever Operation Plate Check at the end of April. 

This effort, led by the State Police and DMV, targeted drivers using fraudulent tags to evade tolls, cameras, and law enforcement. Running from April 26 to May 3, the sweep revealed a growing issue, as some drivers have been covering or altering plates to avoid detection. 

In just over a week, officers issued 3,308 tickets for plate violations and 83 for suspended registrations. They also recovered 14 stolen cars. These “ghost plates” put public safety at risk and allow people to slip past enforcement. More campaigns are expected as the state continues to chase down fraud on its roads.