Actions Include Arrest of Escalade Driver with Multiple License Suspensions and Seizure of Flatbed 18-Wheeler with Altered License Plate
Interagency Scofflaw Operation at Throgs Neck Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel
Officers Make 21 Arrests and Issue 793 Summonses
View Photos of Seized Vehicles
View Video B-Roll Footage of Enforcement Efforts
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels (MTA B&T) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), along with regional law enforcement partners today announced the results of a two-day interagency task force operation to remove ghost vehicles and crack down on persistent toll violators. The interagency operation included MTA Bridge and Tunnel Officers, NYPD, New York State Police, Port Authority Police, New York City Sherriff’s Office, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Officers seized 21 vehicles for a number of violations including unpaid tolls, unregistered vehicles and suspended licenses among other traffic infractions on Thursday, April 18, at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, and on Friday, April 19, at the Throgs Neck Bridge, George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel. The scofflaws had amassed more than $586,000 in unpaid tolls and fees, judgments and debts. The operation resulted in 21 arrests and 793 summonses issued.
“Amplified enforcement efforts have yielded big returns and hopefully sent a message to all scofflaws and aspiring scofflaws – if you try to skip out on the toll at any crossing in the metropolitan region you will only end up paying more,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan. “I thank the diligent work of the Bridge and Tunnel officers as well as our regional law enforcement partners for ensuring all motorists pay their fair share.”
“Each member of our multiagency task force is fully committed to identifying every unsafe, unregistered ‘ghost’ vehicle in New York City,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “I commend our dedicated officers for their tireless efforts to hold all drivers accountable and to eradicate the sense of lawlessness that pervades our roadways.”
“Traffic infractions, obstruction of vehicle documentation and toll evasion will not be tolerated in New York State,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Traffic safety is a top priority for the New York State Police, and we work each day to make our roads safe to travel. We thank the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and our law enforcement partners for their continued collaborative efforts to catch those breaking our vehicle and traffic laws or refusing to pay their fair share.”
“The work that this task force has done so far has been tremendous, and DMV is pleased to be able to provide assistance for these operations,” said DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Ghost plates and toll evasion are not only taking away needed revenue for the city and the state, but they are also costing the taxpayers of New York City and New York State who are following the law. I look forward to seeing continued results from this effort.”
“Drivers who believe they can get away without paying what they owe at our crossings should think twice. You will be caught, and you will be prosecuted,” said Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar. "Our commitment to equity and enforcement on our roadways is iron-clad.”
MTA Bridge and Tunnel officers seized 2,731 vehicles in 2023, a 46.6% increase from 2022. Bridge and Tunnel officers have issued more than 3,000 summonses for covered or obstructed license plates since the beginning of the year. They issued 17,865 in 2023, an increase of 15% over 2022.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels, through tolls and fees collected, has recovered more than 98% of the tolls owed by recidivist toll scofflaws since the inception of its DMV Registration Suspension Program.
This enforcement aligns with a coordinated strategy by MTA B&T and City and State law enforcement partners who announced a joint effort against obstructed and counterfeit license plates last year. Since the start of Open Road Tolling, Bridge and Tunnel officers have interdicted more than 9,500 vehicles for persistent non-payment of tolls.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels uses a variety of tools to identify violators and interdict vehicles:
- DMV registration suspensions
- Robust roadside interdictions
- Data-driven intelligence to continuously identify persistent toll violators
Motorists can avoid violation fees and registration suspensions by paying their toll bills on time, using the award-winning Tolls NY free mobile application to pay tolls or manage their E-ZPass accounts. E-ZPass NY Customer Service Center account holders can save at least 25% at MTA B&T tolled crossings by using E-ZPass. To set up an E-ZPass account or for more information, visit www.ezpassny.com. NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits any covering or coating that intentionally conceals, obscures, or distorts an image of license plates.