MTA, NYPD crack down on Ghost Plates, persistent toll violators

On Monday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels (MTA B&T) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) a crackdown on “ghost vehicles” and persistent toll violators.

The interagency operation included MTA B&T officers, the NYPD, New York State Police, Port Authority Police, the New York City Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Between April 18 and 19, officers seized 21 vehicles for numerous violations including unpaid tolls, unregistered vehicles and suspended licenses, among other traffic violations. The operation amassed 21 arrests and 793 summonses for more than $586,000 in unpaid tolls, fees, judgments and debts.

“Amplified enforcement efforts have yielded big returns and hopefully sent a message to all scofflaws and aspiring scofflaws – if you try to skip out on the toll at any crossing in the metropolitan region you will only end up paying more,” MTA B&T President Catherine Sheridan said. “I thank the diligent work of the Bridge and Tunnel officers as well as our regional law enforcement partners for ensuring all motorists pay their fair share.”

In 2023, MTA B&T officers seized 2,731 vehicles, an increase of nearly 50 percent from 2022. That year, they issued 17,865 summonses for covered or obstructed license plates. So far this year, they have issued more than 3,000 summonses for the same violations.

MTA B&T said it has recovered more than 98 percent of the tolls owed by “recidivist toll scofflaws” since the inception of its DMV Registration Suspension Program.

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