Week-long patrol to target fraudulent license plates and dangerous drivers in New York

New York State Police (NYSP) and other agencies will partner for a traffic patrol targeting license plate fraud and dangerous driving behaviors.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the “Operation Plate Check” enforcement detail will take place throughout New York Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9.

Agencies participating in Operation Plate Check include NYSP, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the New York State Thruway Authority, and local law enforcement.

Officials said that the detail will be conducted due to an “increase in the use of fictitious license plates and fraudulent temporary paper tags by drivers who purposefully cover, obstruct and deface license plates to avoid traffic enforcement cameras, license plate readers and tolls.”

Police will also patrol for aggressive drivers, and those violating the state’s Move Over Law.

During last year’s Operation Plate Check detail, NYSP issued 3,308 tickets for license plate violations, “which was a 250 percent increase compared to 945 tickets issued in 2024.”

“Drivers who are using fake or altered license plates to avoid tolls or law enforcement are on notice — we do not take this crime lightly and you will be held accountable,” Hochul said. “This enforcement period is about safety and ensuring that those who are using our highways, bridges and tunnels are paying their fair share.”

 “Altering, concealing or using fake or fraudulent license plates is a deliberate attempt to evade responsibilities on our roadways. These violations are not just about avoiding tolls, they can hinder law enforcement and put the public safety at risk. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her support and our state and local partners for their efforts to hold accountable those who engage in these unlawful acts,” said Superintendent Steven G. James.

“The New York State Thruway is a user-fee-supported system, with toll revenue accounting for approximately 90 percent of the resources needed to operate, maintain and improve our 570-mile superhighway. Operation Plate Check is about educating drivers and ensuring everyone who travels the Thruway pays their fair share. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership, along with our partners at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the New York State Police, for helping remind motorists of their responsibility to properly display license plates and pay the tolls that keep the Thruway safe, reliable and affordable,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare.