The NYC Crackdown on Ghost License Plates Is Coming

NEW YORK CITY — New rules cracking down on cars with fake or obscured license plates will go into effect next month to hold owners of these so-called "ghost plates" accountable and prevent them from skipping out on tolls and enforcement, New York City officials said this week.

These new rules, which will go into effect on April 16, clarify that any obstruction to a license plate — like dirt, plastic coverings, and any other material — is prohibited, and parking with an obscured plate will result in a $50 fine, city officials said.

“Drivers who obscure their license plates are not just breaking the law — they are putting everyone at risk,” NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said. “Clear and visible plates are more important than ever to ensure public safety, fairness, and improve traffic flow. Automated camera enforcement has been proven to reduce speeding and lower pedestrian fatalities, but it can only work if plates are visible, which is why these strengthened rules are critical to holding violators accountable and protecting all New Yorkers.”

Though these rules don't go into effect until April, the crackdown on ghost plates has already begun.

On Monday alone, law enforcement officials issued 282 summonses, made eight arrests, and impounded 73 cars, Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and law enforcement officials announced.

“Ghost plates only exist to evade the law, and they pose a threat to both public safety and traffic safety," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "Over the past year, the NYPD has taken thousands of illegal ghost plates off the streets, which are often connected to larger crimes. These new rules will strengthen our ability to crackdown on this problem and make our street safer for all."

Here are all the new rules, which will go into effect on April 16

• License plates must be securely fastened, properly displayed, readable, and kept clean and unobstructed.
• License plates must be clearly readable to the human eye as well as to the enforcement cameras.
• No glass or plastic covers are allowed.
• License plates must be positioned between 12–48 inches from the ground if possible.
• No parking with a obscured or fake license plate.
• Any clear coating that distorts the plate numbers or blinds the enforcement cameras is strictly prohibited.
• No fake plates allowed.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.