NEW YORK (PIX11) – It's less than a month until congestion pricing officially begins in New York City, and social media is abuzz with products that claim they will obstruct a license plate.
The products can possibly allow drivers to dodge paying the toll charged when entering Manhattan under congestion pricing starting Jan. 5, 2025.
Under the new plan, vehicles entering New York City’s central business district below 60th Street in Manhattan will face a toll structure over a six-year plan, with an initial $9 peak car toll. The toll will increase to $12 in 2028 and then $15 in 2031, according to the MTA.
However, some products claim they may help avoid these fees.
“Tired of paying for tolls and speeding tickets? Our innovative Sync-Cover protects your license plate from being detected by cameras, helping you avoid fines and drive stress-free,” read Hide Plates. “Save hundreds of dollars on the road every year.”
According to the company’s website, it ensures the driver's license plate remains visible to the naked eye but will somehow obstruct cameras from reading it.
Phantom Plate is another company that states its innovative spray will "photo block" your license plate from cameras. This also helps obstruct your plates from cameras.
Catherine Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, warned that license plate obstruction is illegal and law enforcement will have zero tolerance for it.
"If you attempt to cross MTA bridges or tunnels without paying tolls, officers will pull you over, and you will face vehicle seizure, summonses, fines, and/or arrest,” Sheridan said. “We will continue to ensure everyone pays their fair share and that cars with phony plates wind up in our parking lot."
The MTA and the NYPD also referred PIX11 News to multiple press releases announcing the impoundment of "ghost cars."
Regional officials also said they have partnered with Amazon to prohibit the sale of license plate covers. Authorities reiterated that a fine for obstructing a license plate can be as high as $500.
For more information on congestion pricing, click here.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
