NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that New York State Police and partner agencies have launched Operation Plate Check, a week-long enforcement detail running from Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9, targeting fraudulent license plates, aggressive driving, and Move Over Law violations statewide.
Participating agencies include the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the New York State Thruway Authority, and local law enforcement across the state.
The operation comes in response to a growing trend of drivers using fictitious license plates and fraudulent temporary paper tags to avoid toll cameras, license plate readers, and law enforcement. Troopers will conduct extra patrols and joint enforcement details with DMV and local agencies to identify and cite offenders.
“Drivers who are using fake or altered license plates to avoid tolls or law enforcement are on notice — we do not take this crime lightly and you will be held accountable,” Hochul said. “This enforcement period is about safety and ensuring that those who are using our highways, bridges and tunnels are paying their fair share.”
NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James added: “Altering, concealing or using fake or fraudulent license plates is a deliberate attempt to evade responsibilities on our roadways. These violations are not just about avoiding tolls, they can hinder law enforcement and put the public safety at risk.”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare noted the financial stakes for the state’s highway system. “The New York State Thruway is a user-fee-supported system, with toll revenue accounting for approximately 90 percent of the resources needed to operate, maintain and improve our 570-mile superhighway. Operation Plate Check is about educating drivers and ensuring everyone who travels the Thruway pays their fair share,” Hoare said.
Last Year’s Results
During the 2025 Operation Plate Check, NYSP issued 3,308 tickets for license plate violations — a 250% increase from 945 tickets issued in 2024. Tickets for suspended registrations increased 57%, from 53 in 2024 to 83 in 2025. The operation also resulted in the recovery of 14 stolen vehicles.
Motorists with peeling or damaged license plates are encouraged to visit the DMV website for instructions on obtaining replacement plates.
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