New York State Police Seize 214 Vehicles Over Ghost Plate Toll Evasion

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State Police Troop T, in coordination with the New York State Thruway Authority, carried out four large enforcement operations on the Thruway during the first half of the year. The actions targeted drivers using illegal “ghost plates” – license plates that are missing, altered, obscured or otherwise unreadable – to avoid tolls and traffic enforcement.

The crackdown, which covered the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Western New York, resulted in the seizure of 214 vehicles and the issuance of more than 1,100 tickets. Investigators identified 38 vehicle owners who collectively owed roughly $103,000 in unpaid tolls and fees; about two‑thirds of that amount has already been recovered.

State officials warned that drivers with invalid, obscured or tinted plates, or those who repeatedly ignore toll bills, risk registration suspension and vehicle seizure. The campaign will continue as part of ongoing efforts to deter toll evasion.