Some Central New Yorkers may be among the more than 3,300 drivers recently ticketed during a statewide crackdown on fake license plates. The first-ever “Operation Plate Check” was a joint effort by State Police, the DMV, and local law enforcement to address the growing use of forged plates and fake temporary tags—often used to avoid tolls and traffic enforcement.
The weeklong campaign, which ran from April 26 to May 3, also uncovered drivers who had intentionally covered or defaced their plates to avoid detection. In total, 3,308 tickets were issued for plate violations, 83 for suspended registrations, and 14 stolen vehicles were recovered.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the effort sends a clear message: “If you attempt to alter your license plate to avoid traffic cameras and toll readers, you will be caught.”
Troop T, which patrols the New York State Thruway, issued the most tickets—664 for plate-related offenses.
