New task force to combat ‘ghost cars’ in NYC: ‘You will be caught’

Finn Hoogensen
·2 min read
2

NEW YORK (PIX11) – A new law enforcement task force has been created with the mission to combat “ghost cars” — difficult-to-trace vehicles that are being used to commit crimes in New York City.

Ghost cars are difficult to trace by traffic cameras and toll readers because they have fake or altered license plates. Ghost cars are being used to avoid tolls and also for more serious crimes such as robberies and shootings, according to officials.

“Outlaws have been purchasing fake or paper license plates online to avoid tolls and tickets, as well as to evade accountability for serious crimes, but we’re pumping the brakes on the use of ‘ghost plates’ with the help of this multi-agency task force,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.

The task force’s primary focus is to identify and remove vehicles with fake or modified license plates, or those with no tags at all. These vehicles are often unregistered or stolen, officials said.

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“By launching this city-state task force, we are sending a clear message: if you attempt to alter your license plate to avoid traffic cameras and toll readers, you will be caught,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.

On Monday, city and state law enforcement took part in an inter-agency operation at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, and the Lincoln Tunnel that resulted in 73 cars impounded, 282 summonses issued, and eight people arrested.

The NYPD, the New York City Sheriff’s Office, MTA bridge and tunnel officers, the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department all took part in the operation.

“Over the years, our department has seen a clear connection between these illegal vehicles and violent crime. And we’re here today, with our valued law enforcement partners, to assure New Yorkers that this lawlessness will never be tolerated,” NYPD Commissioner Caban said in a statement.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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