NEW YORK CITY—
New rules regulating license plates go into effect in New York City on Wednesday.
The new rules apply to standing and parked vehicles and come with a $50 fine for violations , according to the Department of Transportation. They regulate what is considered a distorted plate. Under the new rules, even dirt or rust could result in a fine.
It’s part of the city’s crackdown on ghost cars , which have fake or obscured license plates to avoid enforcement.
Plates are expected to be securely fastened without any covers or substances that could obstruct a photograph. New York drivers have additional regulations, like having plates on the front and back of the car at a certain distance from the ground.
“Drivers who obscure their license plates are not just breaking the law — they are putting everyone at risk,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
These are the license plate rules going into effect in NYC on Wednesday:
- Cameras must be able to capture and read license plates, meaning they cannot be distorted by coatings or materials that distort or reflect light.
- License plates must be securely fastened and readable without plastic or glass covers.
- New York plates must be between 12-48 inches from the ground.
- Fake or altered plates are prohibited.
- Plates concealed by the vehicle or its contents are prohibited.
- All vehicle covers that cover license plates, registration stickers, VIN and other information are prohibited. Covers that restrict access to an illegally parked vehicle are also prohibited.