A law enforcement initiative targeting chronic toll violators and ghost plates led to the seizure of 286 vehicles and the arrest of 58 individuals across New York City in September. The crackdown, conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and various law enforcement agencies, came amid a growing concern over unpaid tolls that have reportedly reached $17 million this year.
The MTA announced that 44 operations have been carried out in 2024, resulting in a total of 2,449 vehicles impounded and 521 arrests. “September saw six operations where Bridge and Tunnel officers joined our regional partners to fight against the ghost plates some people use to avoid paying their tolls,” stated MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan. “This behavior won’t be tolerated. Pay your tolls, don’t risk losing your car.”
Ghost plates are typically obscured or unreadable license plates that allow drivers to evade tolls and traffic cameras. The ongoing enforcement effort is part of a strategic collaboration between MTA, NYPD, Port Authority Police, and other state and local agencies aimed at curbing the illegal practice.
Throughout September, various operations led to remarkable results. For example, a September 4 operation at the Queens Midtown Tunnel resulted in six arrests, 32 impounded vehicles, and 547 summonses issued. The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge operation on September 9 yielded 15 arrests, 74 impounded vehicles, and 537 summonses. Further efforts included the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, where authorities arrested six individuals, impounded 33 vehicles, and issued 556 summonses on September 14.
The MTA’s enforcement actions also focused on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Throgs Neck Bridge, leading to multiple arrests and hundreds of summonses issued in just a matter of days. Notably, on September 30, a crackdown at the Henry Hudson Bridge resulted in eight arrests and 44 vehicles seized, alongside 814 summonses.
Since implementing its DMV Registration Suspension Program, the MTA has effectively recovered more than 98% of unpaid tolls owed by repeat offenders. Over 30,000 judgment warning notices have been sent to vehicle owners collectively owing $665 million in unpaid tolls and violation fees.
