by Large-Scale Operations Against ‘Ghost Cars’
New York continues its active fight against so-called ‘ghost cars.’ The joint efforts of the city’s Transportation Authority (MTA) and a number of regional law enforcement agencies have reached a significant milestone — the hundredth operation to identify such vehicles has been completed. The primary goal is to combat drivers who evade paying road tolls.
Operation Results
What Are ‘Ghost Cars’
These are vehicles with fake, altered, or concealed license plates. The MTA’s initiative to combat them began in 2024. Since then, over 5,300 cars have been towed, with 1,893 towed this year alone, linked to nearly $11.5 million in unpaid tolls. The MTA Police have also issued 16,000 summonses.
Effectiveness and Additional Benefits
According to officials, the operations are successful: revenue losses from tolls due to ‘ghost’ plates have decreased by 20%. Furthermore, 48 such plates were confiscated in 2025 and 126 since the program’s start. It is important to note that cars with fake plates are often unregistered, uninsured, stolen, or used for crimes.
We will not allow bad actors to use concealed or fraudulent license plates to avoid detection while committing crimes. Public safety is the priority, and if you are concealing your plates, you will be caught, and you will pay the price — not just for toll evasion, — stated MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
Technologies in the Fight Against Violators
Drones are used to enhance effectiveness, capturing license plates at checkpoints. If a plate listed in the DMV’s suspended registry is detected, the drone sends a signal to an officer to stop the vehicle.
Coordination between officers and our regional law enforcement partners has led to increased accountability on our roads. Our enforcement efforts continue to reduce the use of concealed, covered, and altered license plates, — added MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan.
The MTA also uses automatic license plate readers, which can send automatic alerts. It is evident that authorities are making significant efforts to stop those who drive with ‘ghost’ plates.
This campaign not only improves financial revenue but also contributes to overall road safety, as many violators who conceal their plates are also involved in more serious crimes. The use of modern technologies, such as drones and automated systems, demonstrates how innovation can help solve complex societal problems.
