State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, is sponsoring legislation to crack down on license plate fraud, a crime that is growing across New York.

“License plate fraud is not a victimless crime. I’ve spoken with constituents who have had their credit ruined, been hounded by debt collectors, and even had police show up at their homes because criminals were using their license plate numbers. It’s outrageous, it’s frightening, and it’s happening far too often,” said Senator Borrello.

In a recent investigative report by WIVB, the story of license plate fraud victims Erik Anderson and Amanda Griffin was profiled. The Jamestown couple had their old plates properly destroyed by the DMV in 2024, only to be buried under more than $9,200 in fraudulent tolls, speeding tickets, and parking violations issued in New York City and New Jersey. Clearing their names was anything but simple. It took months of stress, endless phone calls, and outside intervention before the bogus toll debt was finally erased.

The report also highlighted the ordeal of Robert and Lorie Grover of Bemus Point, who were hit with repeated fraudulent toll charges and even had police show up at their home in connection with a $250,000 robbery in New York City tied to their stolen plate number. Borrello said the cases are two of the most extreme examples his office has handled, they are far from isolated. Dozens of other constituents have faced fraudulent tolls and traffic violations tied to license plate theft.

Authorities estimate that toll evasion through counterfeit and “ghost” plates is draining tens of millions of dollars from the MTA, Thruway Authority, and Port Authority. Officials in New York City reported a noticeable jump in the prevalence of ghost plates and license plate covers when congestion pricing took effect in January 2025, although revenue losses are not yet available.

Under current law, those caught with counterfeit license plates face a misdemeanor for a first offense. Borrello’s bill, S.8506, would:

– Elevate a first offense from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony, with up to one year in jail and a mandatory minimum fine of $500.

– Elevate a second offense within ten years to a Class D felony, with 1-3 years in prison, a fine of no less than $1,000, and a mandatory one-year license suspension.

– Create a new Class D felony for those with suspended or revoked licenses who use fraudulent plates, punishable by 1-3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,500, and an extended suspension.

– Crack down on repeat offenders who obscure their plates with covers; a second violation would mean a $500 minimum fine and a six-month license suspension.

“Current penalties are no deterrent. Someone can slap a fake plate on their car, rack up thousands in tolls or use it to commit crimes, and, even if they are caught, walk away with a slap on the wrist. That has to end or this problem will only get worse,” said Senator Borrello.

He also pointed to the link between license plate fraud and New York City’s new $9-per-day congestion pricing fee. “The explosion in fake plates coincided with congestion pricing. When Albany raises tolls and taxes, and then refuses to hold criminals accountable, they create the perfect storm. Honest people pay the price, both in their wallets and in their peace of mind,” said Borrello. “License plate fraud cheats taxpayers, devastates innocent families, and undermines the rule of law. My bill makes clear: if you engage in this crime, there will be real consequences. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.”