New NYC Ghost License Plate Rules Begin This Week: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — New rules cracking down on cars with fake or obscured license plates will go into effect on Wednesday.

It is meant to hold owners of "ghost plates" accountable and prevent them from skipping out on tolls and enforcement, Patch previously reported.

These new rules 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.

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 an 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.

"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 previously said in a statement. “Clear and visible plates are more important than ever to ensure public safety, fairness, and improve traffic flow."

Over 4,000 cars have been impounded since a collaborative state and city task force began cracking down on ghost license plates on New York City roadways last year, Patch previously reported.

Through the first three months of 2025, there have been 13 toll enforcement operations, which resulted in 168 arrests, 650 towed vehicles and 5,775 summonses issued, totaling an amount owed of $4.6 million in unpaid tolls and fees, judgments and debts, according to the MTA.