New York Drivers Are Being Watched More By Police This Week

Police across New York are stepping up enforcement across the state this week. Here's why.

Law enforcement statewide is taking part in an effort to put a stop to license plate fraud.

Operation Plate Check Ongoing In New York State

NY Gov

Operation Plate Check is ongoing across New York State and runs through Saturday, May 9. Officers are cracking down on fraud because in recent years, there has been an increase in the use of fake license plates by individuals trying to avoid traffic enforcement cameras, license plate readers, and tolls.

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“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,” New York Gov. Kathy 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.”

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According to Hochul's office, in recent years, police have noticed an increase in fake 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.

New York State Police will add more patrols focused on identifying fraudulent license plates, targeting aggressive drivers, and those violating the state’s Move Over Law. Troopers will also collaborate on joint license plate enforcement details with DMV and other state and local law enforcement partners.

During last year’s enforcement operation, State Police issued 3,308 tickets for license plate violations. That was a 250 percent increase compared to 2024. Police also found 14 stolen cars during last year's Operation Plate Check.

Tickets issued for suspended registrations increased by 57 percent from 2024 to 2025, during last year's enforcement.

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The New York Department of Motor Vehicles rejected over 3,000 vanity plate applications in 2023. Reasons included obscenity, references to sexual or intimate body parts, or because they could be confused as an official plate.

Some of these plates are NSFW.

Gallery Credit: Megan

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Before you decide to consume cannabis and then illegally drive under the influence in New York, you should know the real cost of your decision. Not only will you have to pay up in dollars, but you'll also pay with time, a hit to your license, and possibly injury or death.

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are pretty harsh in New York according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Gallery Credit: Yasmin Young