The state Department of Motor Vehicles has been working alongside many law enforcement agencies, including the Utica Police Department, to crack down on the use of fake license plates. Drivers illegally use fake license plates to avoid tolls, vehicle registration fees, evade speed cameras and avoid detection from law enforcement.

“The Utica Police Department has been very fortunate to work with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in an effort to combat and educate the public about the increase in fraudulent license plates,” Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said in a statement. “These types of plates have become prevalent over the last several years, and with that comes a host of other public safety issues.”

Information for this article was sent to me from a friend that conducts classes on traffic safety. I also found similar information on the DMV web site. According to Williams, vehicles operating with these fake plates, along with being not registered, are often uninsured and have operators who are also unlicensed. These factors pose a safety risk to other motorists.

“We look forward to continuing our strong joint efforts with the NYS DMV to combat the rise and use of these illegal tags and keeping other motorists safe on the roads,” he said.

The creation of false license plates is a Class E felony in New York. The maximum penalty for such a crime – or being in possession of the machines to make such plates – is four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 or double the gain obtained, according to state Vehicle and Traffic Law and Penal Law. Possession of fake license plates can be a class D felony, also punishable by fines up to $5,000 and up to seven years in jail.

During the enforcement campaign, investigators with the DMV — as well as the State Police and Albany County Sheriff, along with several others – have seen a surge in citations for fake license plates. Since January, the campaign has resulted in 420 citations, including 92 plate violations. Thirty-six vehicles have been towed as a result, as well as 26 plates seized from the crackdown.

“When someone uses a fake license plate, that means hardworking taxpayers and motorists are footing the bill for someone trying to cheat the system,” DMV Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark Schroeder said in a statement. “Drivers should know that our investigators are out there working closely with other law enforcement agencies to target this issue and those who break the law can expect to be caught.”

While we are discussing fake license plates, be advised that section 402 (1) (b) of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law makes it illegal to cover your plates with glass or any plastic material, or any coating with artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures those number plates or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such plates. With the reduction or elimination of staffed toll booths in favor of video detection and recording of license plates, it becomes more important than ever to crack down on fraudulent violators.