Statewide push against ghost cars, ‘Operation Plate Check,’ hits RFK Bridge
News 12 observed the operation on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on Monday, where troopers and officers from multiple agencies conducted traffic stops and used license plate scanners to identify suspicious vehicles in real time.
Statewide push against ghost cars, ‘Operation Plate Check,’ hits RFK Bridge
State police and local law enforcement agencies launched a weeklong statewide crackdown targeting drivers using illegal or untraceable license plates as part of “Operation Plate Check.”
The enforcement effort, taking place on roads and bridges across New York, aims to identify vehicles that display fraudulent, altered or stolen license plates — commonly referred to as “ghost plates.”
News 12 observed the operation on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on Monday, where troopers and officers from multiple agencies conducted traffic stops and used license plate scanners to identify suspicious vehicles in real time.
“The motorists that break the law think they cannot face any consequences,” New York State Police Capt. Josh Stahl said. “We are going after them.”
Police said "ghost plates" prevent toll and traffic cameras from properly identifying vehicles, allowing some drivers to avoid tolls and evade enforcement cameras.
“These license plates cannot be picked up by the toll cameras or the traffic cameras,” Stahl said.
Within minutes of the operation having started, officers had already pulled over more than a dozen vehicles.
Police said drivers found violating the law could face tickets, unpaid toll collections, vehicle repossessions and, in some cases, arrest.
“If the license plate is altered, it could be a crime and the motorist could be arrested,” Stahl said.
According to state police, more than 3,000 tickets were issued during similar enforcement efforts in 2025, and authorities recovered more than a dozen stolen vehicles.
Officials said they hope to surpass those numbers during this year’s operation.
