NEW YORK — New York State Police Troop T and the New York State Thruway Authority have seized 214 vehicles and issued more than 1,100 tickets during four enforcement details targeting ghost plates, toll evasion, and other violations on the Thruway system.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the operations were conducted during the first half of 2026 along the 570-mile Thruway system in the Capital, Hudson Valley, and Western New York regions.
Enforcement Targeted Ghost Plates and Toll Evaders
Officials said the details focused on motorists using missing, altered, fraudulent, or obscured license plates, often called ghost plates, to avoid tolls or traffic enforcement cameras.
The enforcement also targeted suspended registrations, many of which had been suspended for unpaid tolls or lack of insurance.
“These enforcement operations are about protecting public safety, holding toll evaders responsible and safeguarding the toll dollars that drivers rightly contribute to maintain our transportation network,” Hochul said. “We will continue working with the Thruway Authority and the New York State Police to put the brakes on ghost plates.”
More Than $103,000 Owed in Tolls and Fees
Officials said 38 of the impounded vehicles had Thruway-suspended registrations tied to nearly $103,000 in unpaid tolls and fees.
The Thruway Authority said it has recovered more than $70,000 of that amount so far.
State Police also issued tickets for fraudulent and obstructed license plates, speeding, seatbelt violations, cell phone use, expired driver’s licenses, expired registrations, and other violations.
Four Details Held Across State
On March 17, troopers impounded 80 vehicles from motorists crossing the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, including 18 impoundments for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 293 tickets, including 141 for license plate violations.
On May 5, a second detail on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge resulted in 69 vehicle impoundments, including 10 for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 290 tickets, including 178 for plate violations.
Also on May 5, a detail on I-190 in Buffalo resulted in 15 vehicle impoundments, including three for toll evasion on the Thruway. Troopers issued 262 tickets, including 138 for plate violations.
On June 11, troopers impounded 50 vehicles on I-87 in Albany, including seven for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 310 tickets, including 58 for license plate violations.
Commercial Vehicle Unit Also Participated
The Troop T Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit also participated in the operations to enforce safety standards and regulations for trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles.
The Thruway Authority said its Traffic Safety and Maintenance teams assisted State Police with traffic control during the details.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said fake, stolen, or obscured plates can put the public at risk and make crash investigations harder.
“They are putting the traveling public at risk by potentially impeding an accident investigation, and further, by not paying their fair share in tolls, they reduce the revenue that enables important roadway maintenance,” James said.
Previous Crackdown Recovered More Than $132,000
Officials said the 2026 details are part of an ongoing effort to combat ghost plates and toll evasion.
In 2025, State Police and the Thruway Authority conducted seven enforcement details across the state, seizing 310 vehicles and issuing 1,749 tickets.
That effort helped the Thruway Authority recover more than $132,000 of the $224,000 owed by 42 vehicle owners.
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said toll dollars are reinvested into maintaining and improving the Thruway system.
“By holding toll evaders accountable, we help protect honest, paying customers, preserve some of the lowest toll rates in the nation and ensure the Thruway remains a safe and reliable roadway for generations to come,” Hoare said.
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