Sneaky Tricks: How Some NYC Drivers Might Dodge Congestion Pricing

In New York City, drivers have always found creative ways to avoid paying tolls. Now, with the introduction of congestion pricing, some folks are already plotting how to bypass these new fees. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) relies on tolls to fund its operations, including subways, buses, and two rail lines. In 2022, the MTA estimated it lost around $46 million due to drivers skipping out on toll payments. Starting recently, drivers entering the busiest part of Manhattan (below 60th Street) face new congestion tolls. These tolls are projected to bring in about $500 million annually for the first three years. However, sneaky drivers could find ways to avoid these tolls by using various tricks. These range from hiding or altering license plates to using special sprays or covers to make their vehicles invisible to toll readers and traffic cameras. This makes their cars appear as "ghost cars, " essentially disappearing from the system. Drivers might also use temporary paper tags or scrape off letters from their plates. These tactics could potentially cost the MTA a significant amount of revenue, similar to how previous toll evaders have affected the system.