State Police Seize 170 Vehicles in Major Thruway Toll Crackdown

By Y.M. Lowy

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the results of recent toll enforcement operations on the New York State Thruway, where State Police and the Thruway Authority targeted drivers who repeatedly avoided tolls or used illegal license plates.

During four statewide enforcement operations held this fall, New York State Police Troop T seized 170 vehicles and issued more than 1,000 tickets across the Thruway system. Many of the stops involved drivers using ghost plates, fake or obstructed license plates, or driving with suspended registrations tied to unpaid tolls.

Officials said 30 of the impounded vehicles were linked to suspended registrations, with those owners owing nearly $82,000 in unpaid tolls and fees. Since then, the Thruway Authority has recovered close to $38,000, about 46 percent of the total owed, from 16 vehicle owners.

This marks the second major enforcement push on the Thruway this year. Over the summer, a separate operation resulted in 140 vehicles seized and 711 tickets issued. Combined, the summer and fall efforts led to the recovery of $116,000 out of $207,000 owed, or 56 percent, from 37 vehicle owners.

State officials say the use of fraudulent or “ghost” plates has increased nationwide as drivers try to avoid toll cameras. Troopers also encountered vehicles with covered, altered, or fake temporary license plates designed to block identification.

In addition to toll violations, troopers issued tickets for a range of offenses, including suspended registrations, lack of insurance, speeding, cellphone use while driving, seatbelt violations, and expired licenses or registrations.

The Thruway Authority reported that in 2024, more than 400 million toll transactions were processed, with drivers traveling 8.2 billion miles on the system. 

Officials say the Thruway remains one of the safest roadways in the country, with toll rates among the lowest compared to similar toll roads nationwide.