The New York State Police Troop T, in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, seized 140 vehicles and issued 711 tickets during three enforcement operations targeting persistent toll violators and “ghost plates” on the Thruway in the Lower Hudson Valley and Western New York.
Drivers whose vehicles were impounded collectively owed nearly $125,000 in unpaid tolls and fees. The Thruway Authority has since recovered $71,000—about 57 percent of the total—from 20 vehicle owners.
Across the country, there has been a rise in the use of fraudulent or “ghost” plates to avoid toll cameras, as well as tactics such as covering, obstructing, or defacing license plates, or using fake temporary tags.
Enforcement Operations
June 24: At the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (GMMCB) connecting Westchester and Rockland counties, troopers impounded 53 vehicles, 24 for unpaid tolls, and issued 231 tickets, including 39 for license plate violations.
July 21: At the GMMCB, 61 vehicles were impounded, 25 for toll evasion, with 221 tickets issued, including 40 for plate violations.
August 21: On I-90 in Buffalo, 26 vehicles were impounded, two for toll evasion, and 259 tickets were issued, including 73 for plate violations.
Troopers focused on suspended registrations—many linked to unpaid tolls or lack of insurance—which resulted in vehicles being towed. Additional tickets were issued for fraudulent and obstructed plates, speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, using a cell phone while driving, and driving with an expired license or registration.
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “Let’s be clear: people who use fake plates or alter them up to avoid paying tolls are stealing from all of our customers who pay their tolls to travel on the 570-mile Thruway system. We are committed to collecting every dollar owed to us and if you try to avoid paying tolls, we’re going to find you. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s support and the hard work of New York State Police Troop T during the enforcement operations and we plan to carry out even more to keep tolls affordable and protect our customers who pay.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “By using fake, stolen and obscured license plates, not only are people trying to circumvent the system to avoid paying tolls, but they are jeopardizing the safety of all those who travel our roadways. Enforcements such as this play not only a pivotal role in traffic safety but show there will be consequences for those refusing to pay their fair share. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support and the Thruway Authority for their shared mission to ensure that those who commit these evasive acts are held accountable.”
These enforcement operations highlight ongoing efforts to ensure compliance, improve road safety, and protect revenue used for maintaining New York’s Thruway infrastructure.
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