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SidewalkSnitch · Guide
Ghost Plates and Covered Plates in NYC: What They Are and How to Report Them
Last updated: 2026-08-05
SidewalkSnitch is an independent civic tool. Not affiliated with the City of New York and not a government 311 service.
A ghost plate is a fake or illegally altered license plate used to evade tolls, parking fines, and speed-camera tickets. Ghost plates have exploded in NYC over the past few years, fueling toll theft and enabling repeat violators to escape enforcement. This guide explains what they are, why you should report them, and how to photograph evidence safely.
How to file from this page
- Photograph the plate area clearly — cover, frame, or missing plate — plus the vehicle.
- Tap Add photo of ghost plates. We draft paste-ready text.
- Tap Copy, then Open 311. Paste. Submit on the city's site.
- Keep your Service Request Number.
See it. Snap it. Fix it.
We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.
Report a ghost plate
Photograph the plate straight on, plus the vehicle and where it is parked.
See it. Snap it. Fix it. We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.
Join the friends & family waitlistPhone number required. F&F access only — not a public neighborhood launch.
Friends & family waitlist — phone number required. Public neighborhood launch is not open yet.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ghost plate?
A ghost plate is a fake or fraudulent license plate — typically a temporary paper plate that is not real or a plate that has been digitally altered. They are used to evade tolls, speed cameras, parking enforcement, and other tracking. Ghost plates are illegal; a car displaying one is in violation.
How do I tell if a plate is fake?
Real temporary paper plates have specific formatting and are printed on official paper stock. Fake ones are often printed on regular paper or plastic, may have uneven text, or lack the standard DMV watermarks. Out-of-state temporary plates that appear doctored or suspiciously printed are red flags. When in doubt, take a photo and let the city verify it.
Why should I report a ghost plate?
Ghost plates allow drivers to evade tolls, parking fines, and speed-camera tickets. Reporting them helps the city crack down on toll theft and persistent violators. The City Council's "Plate and Switch" report found that 1 in 5 surveyed out-of-state vehicles had temp, fake, or no plates — a growing problem that reporting helps address.
Can I report an obscured or covered plate?
Yes. Any plate that is deliberately obscured, covered, tinted, or altered is reportable. This includes plates with frames that obscure parts of the number, tinted plastic covers, or plates that have been painted over. Take a clear photo showing the obstruction and file via 311 — or prepare the same report with SidewalkSnitch.
Is it safe to photograph a car with a ghost plate?
Yes. Photograph from a safe distance and position, just as you would for any parking violation. Do not confront the driver or block traffic. Take the photo from the sidewalk or at a safe angle. Your photo is anonymous — the plate is reported, not the driver.
Related guides: How to report a commercial truck parked overnight in NYC · How to report an abandoned car in NYC · Report a car blocking a bike lane in NYC · How to report double-parked cars in NYC