New York City officially approves new regulation to strengthen crackdown on license plate obstruction behavior

New York City’s Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch jointly announced on Monday (March 17th) the city government’s official approval of new regulations to crack down on the intentional obstruction of license plates. This measure aims to prevent drivers from evading traffic fines and tolls through illegal means, further ensuring public safety. The new regulations are set to come into effect on April 16, 2025.

The act of obstructing license plates is not only illegal but also poses a threat to everyone’s safety, stated NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “Clearly visible license plates are crucial for ensuring public safety, fairness, and improving traffic conditions. Automated enforcement cameras can effectively reduce speeding and pedestrian fatality rates, but the prerequisite is that license plates must be clear and legible.”

Police Commissioner Tisch added, “‘Ghost Plates’ serve no purpose other than evading enforcement, these vehicles not only endanger public safety but may also be linked to more serious criminal activities. These new regulations will further strengthen our enforcement efforts to make city streets safer.”

According to the newly passed regulations, anything that obstructs a license plate from being clearly identified – whether it’s dirt, rust, plastic covers, transparent coatings, or any other material – is strictly prohibited, with violators facing a fine of $50.

The key provisions of the new regulations include:

– License plates must be securely fastened, properly installed, positioned at a height of 12 to 48 inches (approximately 30 to 120 centimeters) from the ground, and kept clean and unobstructed; the use of any glass or plastic cover over the license plate is prohibited.

– Prohibition of any coating or substance (including transparent paint) that causes reflection or distorts the font on the license plate, making it difficult for the human eye or cameras to identify; all materials that obstruct the automatic camera from capturing the license plate number are strictly forbidden.

– Prohibition of using covers to obstruct license plates, vehicle registration stickers, vehicle identification numbers (VIN), or other identification information while parking; when a vehicle is parked illegally, using a cover that encloses the entire vehicle is strictly prohibited.

– Strict prohibition on counterfeiting or imitating license plates; license plates must not be obstructed by any part of the vehicle or items carried, with the sole exception being officially designated electronic toll collection devices (such as EZ-Pass).

Speed cameras and red light cameras have been proven to effectively save lives. Data shows that in locations where speed cameras are installed, traffic violations have decreased by 94%, and traffic accident casualties have decreased by 14%.

“The success of automated enforcement programs relies on cameras being able to accurately capture license plates to ensure reckless drivers are appropriately penalized,” emphasized Commissioner Rodriguez. “By preventing license plate obstructions and counterfeits, New York City is furthering the ‘Vision Zero’ initiative, making city streets safer for everyone.”