51.6 F
Schenectady
Sunday, October 6, 2024

Buffalo News from WKBW WHNY

spot_img
spot_img

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As of the first day of September, the sale ⁣of products designed ​to ‍hide or obscure⁢ license plates has been declared illegal. ⁢This move is in response⁤ to⁢ drivers ⁣using such products to evade road ‍tolls and fees, as per ‌the announcement by state officials.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul, “The era‌ of drivers taking their chances, believing‌ they’ll never get caught, ⁢is over. Rest assured, if you’re breaking the⁤ law, you will be ⁤caught.”

This law was passed as part of this ⁤year’s budget in ​April.

Manhattan-Congestion-Tolls
FILE – Recently installed toll traffic cameras hang above West End Ave. near 61st Street in the Manhattan borough of New York, ⁤Nov. 16, 2023. The Trucking‌ Association​ of New York filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, May 30,⁢ 2024​ against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which developed the toll scheme, arguing ‍the fees ⁣are⁤ unconstitutional because they ⁢unfairly target and penalize the trucking⁤ industry with ⁢higher fees. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

In March of 2024, Governor Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation⁤ of a downstate ‍task force to target‌ these law-evading drivers. They expressed concern ‍that such drivers might also be involved in other criminal activities.

This new legislation specifically targets those who sell these illegal products.

What exactly are these ⁣products?

The products in⁢ question vary. ⁢Some sellers offer ⁣”dead” ⁣plates, which were once ⁣legitimate but are no longer registered to any driver.

Others sell tools⁣ to hide the plates, such as remote-controlled covers, sprays, and stickers. These​ items can be easily found and purchased on online platforms like‍ Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and TikTok.

This site ⁣advertises a ticket-free ride
This site advertises a ticket-free ride

Prices for these products can range‍ from as low as $15 to as ​high⁣ as $500, depending on the website.

Some websites issue​ a‌ warning to potential⁢ buyers, stating that the legality ‍of the ​product ‌may vary‌ based on the ⁢buyer’s location. Others, ​like one⁣ product‍ sold ​on Amazon, claim⁣ to guarantee legal compliance.

“We’re ⁣committed to catching ⁢these wrongdoers, putting a stop to the use of these fraudulent and obscured plates, increasing penalties, and ensuring that those who believe they’re untouchable today will be‌ stopped in their tracks tomorrow,” ⁤Governor Hochul stated.

Furthermore, ‍the DMV is ‍part of‌ a coalition that targets ⁣individuals who intentionally deface or ⁣cover their ‌plates to dodge tolls and speed cameras.

spot_img
Alejandro Mendoza
Alejandro Mendoza
Alejandro Mendoza is a dedicated journalist, known for his in-depth research and commitment to truth. A graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism, he specializes in revealing and reporting on significant local issues.
Latest news
Read More

6 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here