As New York City’s controversial $9 congestion toll takes effect, some drivers are resorting to low-tech but clever tactics to avoid paying the fee. Motorists were observed near the perimeters of Manhattan’s congestion zone using various methods to obscure or alter their license plates, a trend reminiscent of the ongoing “ghost plates” issue that costs the city millions annually.

Common tricks observed

1. Digit alteration:
   • Drivers were seen scratching out or painting over specific letters or numbers to make them unreadable. For instance, one license plate had an “l” painted white to blend with the plate’s background.
   • Another vehicle had blobs of gray paint partially concealing an “e” and a zero, subtly thwarting toll cameras.
2. Plate bending and coating:
   • Some plates were bent or painted with streaks across the numbers, distorting their readability.
   • Several plates were coated with a translucent substance that produced a refractive effect under toll cameras, making them difficult to capture.
3. Hardware alterations:
   • Bolts and screws were strategically placed to change the appearance of numbers, like making a “6” look like an “8.”
4. Fake dealer plates:
   • Some vehicles were spotted with fake dealer plates, which are removable and can be printed at home or purchased from unethical dealers.
5. High-tech gadgets:
   • A few drivers reportedly used James Bond-style devices like “plate flippers” that rotate the license plate at the push of a button, hiding the actual numbers from cameras.

Response from officials

Bronx councilman Oswald Feliz, a vocal advocate against ghost plates, warned that the problem could worsen with the new toll in effect:

“If drivers obtain these ghost plates to run red lights and engage in speeding, just wait until they think about the congestion tolls they’ll need to pay to enter 60th Street,” he noted, Feliz said.

Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the situation at a press conference, emphasizing the need to gather and analyze data on the toll’s impact. Hochul assured reporters that this data, which could include emergency response times and changes in commute duration, will be shared with the public in the coming days.

Why it matters

The congestion toll aims to raise billions to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $15 billion capital improvement plan. However, the surge in license plate manipulation could hinder revenue collection and undermine the program’s success.

With these DIY and high-tech evasion methods gaining popularity, NYC authorities may need to step up enforcement and explore new solutions to address this growing issue.