Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. announced the results of a six-month enforcement effort targeting illegal “ghost” license plates, reporting more than 1,000 summonses and nearly 60 arrests since the county joined a multi-agency task force last summer.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk deputies issued 1,044 summonses, made 57 arrests and impounded 20 vehicles after joining the Ghost Plate Task Force in August 2025. The initiative brings together more than a dozen law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD, MTA Police, Nassau County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department and the New York City Sheriff’s Office.
Toulon said ghost plates and other deceptive vehicle practices pose a significant public safety risk by allowing drivers to conceal their identities, evade law enforcement and facilitate criminal activity.
“Illegal ‘ghost’ plates and other deceptive practices pose a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated in Suffolk County,” Toulon said, adding that the Sheriff’s Office is committed to working with regional partners to crack down on fraudulent plates, illegal plate covers, illegal window tints and related violations.
The task force focuses on identifying vehicles with fraudulent license plates, altered or fake temporary tags, often designed to resemble out-of-state plates, and other violations. Officials said vehicles involved in these offenses are frequently unregistered, uninsured or stolen.
Arrests during the enforcement period included charges ranging from driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI to criminal possession of forged instruments, stolen property and weapons. Several arrests involved aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, including misdemeanor and felony offenses.
In addition to arrests and summonses, deputies cleared four outstanding warrants during the enforcement period.
The Sheriff’s Office said it will continue participating in the Ghost Plate Task Force as part of its broader effort to improve roadway safety and hold violators accountable throughout Suffolk County.