BILL NUMBER: S8506

SPONSOR: BORRELLO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to certain
motor vehicle documents and plates; and to repeal certain provisions of
such law relating thereto

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill relates to certain motor vehicle license plates; repealer.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Section 392-a of the vehicle and traffic law is REPEALED and
a new section 392-a is added. A person who knowingly sells, offers to
sell, buys, or offers to buy false, fraudulent, or stolen license, iden-
tification card, certificate of registration, or number plate shall be
guilty and charges with the following:

First Offense: A class E felony, punishable by up to one year of impri-
              

sonment and a fine of not less than five hundred dollars.  Second
Offense (within ten years of the first offense): A class D felony,
punishable by one to three years of imprisonment, a fine of not less
than one thousand dollars, and a suspension of the offender's driver's
license for a period of not less than one year.

Any person whose driver's license or registration is suspended or
revoked, and who knowingly uses, displays, or permits the use of a
false, fraudulent, or stolen license plate, shall be guilty of a class D
felony, punishable by imprisonment for a term of one to three years, a
fine of not less than fifteen hundred dollars, and an automatic exten-
sion of the suspension or revocation period for an additional two to
four years.

Section 2: Subdivision 1 of section 402 of the vehicle and traffic law
is amended by adding a new paragraph (c). A second conviction for know-
ingly having number plates covered or coated with any material or
substance that conceals or obscures such number plates, when such
conviction occurs within ten years of a first conviction for the same
offense, shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred
dollars and by the suspension of the offender's driver's license for a
period of six months.

Section 3: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it
shall have become a law.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The purpose of this legislation is to combat the growing issue of
license plate fraud in New York State by increasing penalties for indi-
viduals who knowingly use, display, or permit the use of false, fraudu-
lent, or stolen license plates, even when their own driving privileges
have been suspended or revoked.

This bill is motivated in part by the experiences of families in Western
New York, including Erik Anderson and Amanda Griffin of Jamestown, who
have come forward to share the devastating impact of license plate fraud
on their lives. After surrendering their license plates to the Depart-
ment. of Motor Vehicles, Erik and Amanda began receiving dozens of toll
violations, speeding tickets, and parking fines from New York City and
New Jersey, places they had not visited in years. Their old plate number
was fraudulently used on multiple vehicles, resulting in over $9,000 in
fines and fees, threats of vehicle seizure, and damage to their credit.

Despite having followed all legal procedures to surrender their plates,
Erik and Amanda were forced to spend countless hours disputing
violations and contacting agencies to clear their names.  Their story
highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and
harsher penalties for repeat offenders who exploit gaps in the system to
harm innocent individuals.

This problem has grown significantly with the advent of steep tolls
levied on vehicles entering New York City under the congestion pricing
program, which relies on automated cameras to track vehicles and assess
charges. The program has coincided with a marked increase in license
plate fraud, as some drivers attempt to evade tolls and penalties
through deceptive means. In response, authorities have intensified
enforcement efforts, including vehicle seizures and arrests, and enacted
new laws. Despite these laws, the penalties still lack the strength to
deter fraud, making this legislation essential.

By enhancing penalties for first and second offenses along with mandat-
ing license suspensions, this legislation aims to deter fraudulent
behavior, protect vulnerable families, and restore trust in the integri-
ty of New York's vehicle registration system.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2025: New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
On the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.