The law is made. Done is the trap, say those who live outside the rules. Our society's current circumstances have resulted in a plague of fake license plates. That is a fact. The question is: Why? What are the masters of deception trying so hard to hide? Those who seek to turn the law on its head and move on their terms and values.
The plague of fake license plates has even led New York citizens to create portals such as "https://paperplates.nyc/" to summarize reports of cars engaging in this type of illegal behavior.
Why are Ghost Plates Popular?
The population's adoption of fraudulent license plates can be attributed to factors exacerbated by disruptions caused by the pandemic and shortcomings in law enforcement strategies.
The closure of government offices during the pandemic led to delays in processing car registrations, while states extended deadlines, creating opportunities for exploitation by those seeking to evade accountability.
Additionally, the reduction or halting of traffic stops for minor offenses by police departments due to staffing shortages and increased scrutiny following events like George Floyd's murder created a perception of leniency that encouraged individuals to flout rules with impunity.
This lax enforcement environment enabled the proliferation of fake license plates to circumvent tolls, traffic cameras, and other regulations.
The rise in traffic-related deaths involving vehicles with temporary license plates, as highlighted by Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, underscores the seriousness of the issue. These fake tags have not only become a tool for evading accountability but also a weapon endangering innocent lives.
To address this growing problem, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to crack down on vehicles with improper tags.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential for traffic stops to escalate into violent encounters, with racial disparities in enforcement and the use of force being significant considerations.
Many fraudulent plates are obtained through illicit car dealers and broker networks, while others are retained long past their expiration date to avoid fees and taxes. Some are even counterfeit, created using basic home printers.
This proliferation of fake plates has prompted calls for federal intervention to establish stricter regulations and enforcement measures nationwide.
In response to this urgent need for action, The Ward Law Group stands ready to support initiatives to combat fraudulent license plates and enhance road safety.
By advocating for federal standards and penalties that deter the use and distribution of fake plates, we can protect our communities and hold those who seek to undermine the law accountable.
As advocates for justice and accountability, we echo the calls for stricter enforcement measures and support efforts to address the root causes of this problem.
Together, let us work towards a future where our roads are safer, our laws are upheld, and our communities are protected from harm.
If you have been affected by an incident involving fraudulent license plates or have questions about your legal rights, do not hesitate to contact The Ward Law Group for assistance. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and seek the justice you deserve.
Based on a report by Spectrum News NY, in response to this growing issue, Councilman Oswald Feliz has introduced two bills aimed at cracking down on fraudulent license plates across the five boroughs.
These bills seek to intensify penalties for individuals caught using or distributing counterfeit paper plates, often used to evade tolls and traffic cameras and to commit more serious crimes.
At The Ward Law Group, we sympathize with all victims of these types of criminal events and seek to contribute to eradicating these practices.
If you have been an accident victim under similar conditions, do not hesitate to contact us so we can best advise you!
Jany Martinez Ward
Partner
Jany Martínez-Ward is a Founding and Managing Partner of The Ward Law Group, PL, a Florida law firm representing victims of car accidents. She focuses her practice on providing legal representation to Hispanic clients that have become injured in a car accident as a result of the negligence of others. In 2018, The National Trial Lawyers Association recognized Jany as one of the top attorneys in the state and among the top 40 under 40 attorneys.
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