New York troopers seize 140 vehicles, issue 711 citations, during Thruway toll enforcement crackdown
Officials in New York State announced results from three enforcement operations targeting persistent toll violators and fraudulent or “ghost” plates.
On September 19, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Police (NYSP) partnered with the New York State Thruway Authority for three enforcement operations that resulted in the seizure of 140 vehicles and the issuance of 711 tickets.
The enforcement details took place on the New York State (NYS) Thruway system in the Lower Hudson Valley and Western New York regions and focused on persistent toll violators and ghost plates.
Officials said that “drivers who were stopped and had their vehicles impounded owe nearly $125,000 in unpaid tolls and fees to the Thruway Authority.”
Following the three enforcement operations, the NYS Thruway recovered $71,000, representing 57% of the total owed, from 20 vehicle owners.
See below for details on the three toll enforcement details:
- On Tuesday, June 24, State Police impounded 53 vehicles from motorists crossing the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (GMMCB), which connects Westchester and Rockland counties, 24 for unpaid tolls and fees. Troopers issued 231 tickets as part of the operation, including 39 for license plate violations.
- On Monday, July 21, State Police impounded 61 vehicles from motorists crossing the GMMCB, 25 for toll evasion. The operation resulted in 221 tickets, including 40 for plate violations.
- On Thursday, August 21, State Police impounded 26 vehicles from motorists on I-90 in Buffalo, two for toll evasion. Troopers issued 259 tickets as part of the crackdown, including 73 for plate violations.
NYSP focused on suspended registrations during the enforcement operations, many of which had been suspended for unpaid tolls or lack of insurance, which resulted in the vehicle being towed.
Citations were issued for fraudulent and obstructed license plates, as well as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while holding a cell phone, driving with an expired driver’s license or expired registration among others.
“My administration is investing in critical infrastructure improvements that make our roads safer and more reliable, and by cracking down on unpaid fees and tolls, we’re ensuring those projects continue on time and on budget,” Governor Hochul said. “Just 20 vehicle owners accounted for nearly 60 percent of unpaid tolls in this enforcement operation — money being taken out of your pockets — and our enforcement efforts are about keeping costs down for New Yorkers.”
“Let’s be clear: people who use fake plates or alter them up to avoid paying tolls are stealing from all of our customers who pay their tolls to travel on the 570-mile Thruway system. We are committed to collecting every dollar owed to us and if you try to avoid paying tolls, we’re going to find you. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s support and the hard work of New York State Police Troop T during the enforcement operations and we plan to carry out even more to keep tolls affordable and protect our customers who pay,” NYS Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said.