Ghost plates are costing NYC millions in lost revenue, with up to $200 million disappearing annually due to unreadable license plates, a recent report reveals.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine highlighted the concerning trend of ghost plates, where around 100,000 cars per month pass through the city’s traffic cameras with plates that cannot be read. This issue has resulted in approximately 5% of vehicles evading processing at cameras and tolling stations, leading to significant losses in toll revenue and camera-issued tickets.
The report emphasizes that the number of unreadable plates, whether missing, defaced, fraudulent, or concealed by various means, is on the rise each month. This concerning pattern not only impacts the city’s financial resources but also poses risks to public safety as reckless drivers go unchecked on the streets.
In response to the growing problem, authorities have conducted over 30 joint enforcement operations targeting drivers with fake plates attempting to evade tolls and traffic cameras. Despite impounding 1,800 vehicles, issuing 15,000 summonses, and making 400 arrests, the issue persists.
To combat ghost plates effectively, Levine suggests increasing fines for obstructed or fraudulent plates to a minimum of $150, with penalties reflecting on a driver’s license points. Additionally, he advocates for equipping New York license plates with radio transponders for better readability by cameras and implementing AI technology on traffic enforcement and tolling cameras.
Addressing the sale of fake plates and providing better training for law enforcement officers to identify and penalize offenders are also crucial steps outlined in Levine’s recommendations.
Although efforts are being made to tackle the ghost plate problem, concerns have been raised about government employees misusing dashboard placards to evade detection. As the issue persists, finding comprehensive solutions to ensure all vehicles display valid and readable license plates remains a top priority for city officials.
By addressing the challenges posed by ghost plates, New York City aims to enhance road safety, uphold traffic regulations, and protect its financial resources from potential losses caused by illegible license plates.
