05/03/2026
New York officials are rolling out a statewide enforcement campaign aimed at cracking down on fraudulent license plates and unsafe driving behaviors.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that “Operation Plate Check” will run from May 2 through May 9, with multiple agencies participating, including the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and the New York State Thruway Authority.
The enforcement effort will focus on drivers using:
* Fake or fictitious license plates
* Fraudulent temporary tags
* Obscured or altered plates to avoid tolls and enforcement systems
Authorities say the initiative comes in response to a rise in drivers attempting to evade toll collection, license plate readers, and traffic cameras.
In addition to plate-related violations, troopers will also be targeting:
* Aggressive driving
* Violations of the Move Over Law
Officials highlighted results from last year’s operation, where more than 3,300 tickets were issued for license plate violations—marking a significant increase compared to the previous year.
State leaders emphasized that fraudulent plates are not just a toll issue but also a public safety concern, as they can hinder law enforcement investigations and accountability on the road.
Authorities say enforcement will remain strict throughout the campaign as part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and ensure compliance across New York highways.
