Don’t forget cloned plates and stolen.
A New York City Council investigation reveals the Bronx as the primary hub for fraudulent out-of-state license plates, or “ghost plates,” used to systematically evade traffic laws, tolls, and accountability. According to the “Plate and Switch” report, vehicles with these untraceable plates are linked to significantly more violations and unpaid fines, costing the city millions in lost revenue. Drivers using these plates are not only a financial drain but also a public safety menace, reportedly involved in hit-and-runs and other violent crimes. In response, city and state agencies have intensified their crackdown, creating a multi-agency task force that has seized thousands of vehicles. This escalating enforcement regime relies on a network of surveillance to identify and penalize offenders, highlighting a growing infrastructure for tracking vehicular movement across the five boroughs.