The rising issue of “ghost cars” and preventing toll evasion, NYC officials announced new regulations to tackle drivers who hide or obscure their license plates. The new rules, which follow the introduction of congestion pricing in Manhattan, aim to ensure greater visibility of license plates for tolls and traffic cameras.
Background on the New Regulations
The new regulations, published on Tuesday in the City Record, aim to clarify which types of license plate obstructions could lead to penalties. The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) outlined that it would now be illegal for license plates to be obscured by materials such as dirt, rust, glass, plastic, or any substance that makes them unreadable or hidden. This marks a proactive step by the city to curb the longstanding issue of toll evasion.
The Issue of “Ghost Cars”
One of the main concerns driving the new regulations is the rise of “ghost cars”—vehicles with altered or counterfeit license plates designed to evade toll readers and traffic cameras. These vehicles have been linked to a range of criminal activities, including hit-and-runs and violent crimes. Since 2022, New York City authorities have seized over 73,000 such vehicles. The new regulations are part of a broader initiative by Mayor Eric Adams’ administration to combat these problems and create safer streets for everyone.
Congestion Pricing and Toll Evasion
The timing of the proposed rules coincides with the recent implementation of congestion pricing, which was introduced on Sunday after prolonged legal challenges. Under this new system, drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours will incur a $9 toll. However, some drivers have resorted to obscuring their license plates to avoid being charged, prompting the city to take action.
Penalties for Obstructed License Plates
Under current New York City law, parking with an obstructed license plate can result in a fine of $50. If a driver intentionally blocks the visibility of their plate, they may face fines exceeding $300 under state law. These fines are being enforced as part of the city’s effort to address traffic congestion, pollution, and toll evasion.
Details of the New Regulations
The proposed regulations set forth by the DOT include the following key points:
- Visibility of License Plates: Plates must be clearly visible, securely attached, and positioned between 12–48 inches from the ground. Plates must remain clean and unobstructed by materials such as glass or plastic.
- Prohibition of Vehicle Covers: Covers that obscure key vehicle details, including the make, model, and license plate, are banned. This also includes covers that block access to the vehicle in violation of posted parking rules.
- Ban on Concealed or Distorted Plates: Plates cannot be concealed or obscured by any material that alters their photographic image or legibility. Fake or imitation plates are also strictly prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new regulations?
The regulations aim to make license plates clearly visible for toll collection and traffic enforcement, helping to combat toll evasion and increase public safety.
What materials can obstruct a license plate?
License plates should not be covered by any materials, including dirt, rust, glass, plastic, or anything that makes them unreadable or distorted.
What happens if I violate these new regulations?
Violators may face fines ranging from $50 for obstructed plates to over $300 for intentionally blocking plate visibility.
How does this tie into congestion pricing?
The new regulations are part of efforts to enforce congestion pricing, a new toll system for drivers entering Manhattan during peak hours. Some drivers have obscured plates to avoid the tolls, prompting the city to act.
When can the public comment on these rules?
A public hearing will be held on February 6, and written comments can be submitted until 5 p.m. on the same day.
Conclusion
New York City’s efforts to regulate license plate visibility and crack down on “ghost cars” are aimed at ensuring fairness in toll collection and improving traffic safety. By addressing the problem of obstructed plates, the city hopes to deter illegal activities while enhancing the effectiveness of congestion pricing.
With fines in place for violators, these measures represent a firm stance against toll evasion and a commitment to maintaining safe, accessible streets for all New Yorkers.