New York Takes Bold Action Against Illegal Vehicles with Over 100000 Seized and Destroyed

Massive crackdown clears city streets of ghost cars and dangerous mopeds in historic public safety initiative

A Citywide Transformation Driven by Safety

New York City has reached a landmark milestone in its relentless effort to reclaim its streets and improve public safety. Since 2022, more than 100,000 illegal vehicles—ranging from ghost cars with fake plates to unregistered mopeds and ATVs—have been removed from city streets. This sweeping crackdown, spearheaded by the combined efforts of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), marks one of the most ambitious vehicle enforcement actions in city history.

Ghost Cars and Illegal Vehicles Get Crushed

To underscore the seriousness of this campaign, several hundred confiscated two-wheeled vehicles were taken to a DSNY facility to be safely destroyed, sending a strong message to violators. These machines, many of which were used in criminal activity or abandoned for months, are now permanently off the roads.

Mayor Eric Adams remarked, “We’re not just enforcing the law, we’re crushing it. These illegal vehicles have been used to commit robberies, shootings, and other crimes. Our streets are not a playground for lawlessness.”

The Menace of Ghost Cars

Ghost cars—vehicles with obscured or forged license plates—pose a significant challenge to law enforcement. Untraceable and unregistered, these vehicles are often used to evade tolls, avoid detection, and commit crimes, including hit-and-runs. In response, a new task force was created in 2024, assigning 15 officers solely to ghost car removal operations under DSNY oversight.

So far in 2025 alone, over 10,700 ghost vehicles have been removed, bringing the total since task force inception to more than 14,000. This targeted action has helped return much-needed curb space and restored order to neighborhoods once plagued by derelict vehicles.

Soaring Seizures Reflect Zero Tolerance

The numbers speak volumes. In 2024 alone, the NYPD confiscated over 27,700 illegal scooters, bikes, and ATVs—the highest figure in city history. This year, more than 8,100 illegal two-wheelers have already been taken off the streets, pushing the total since 2022 to over 62,300. This is the largest three-year seizure of such vehicles in New York’s history.

These vehicles, while small in size, have had a massive impact on street crime. Their agility allows criminals to zip through traffic, evade police, and commit thefts without dismounting.

Crime Patterns Crushed with Enforcement

The city had seen a sharp rise in crimes involving mopeds and scooters between 2022 and 2024, including over 991 reported thefts and robberies linked to these vehicles by the end of 2024. However, 2025 has seen a dramatic turnaround. In just the first five months, such crimes dropped by over 80 percent, thanks to strategic policing and the removal of illegal vehicles.

From 454 vehicle-related thefts and robberies in early 2024, the number has plunged to just 93 in the same period this year. These results reflect what NYPD officials call “precision policing,” with officers deployed where and when offenses are most likely.

Closing Loopholes and Strengthening Laws

A major contributor to this progress has been recent changes to state vehicle laws. In July 2024, state legislators passed a bill to close the "moped loophole", requiring that these vehicles be registered and licensed at the point of sale. This change has made it more difficult for unlicensed vehicles to reach the streets and holds sellers accountable.

Additionally, Mayor Adams joined forces with state and federal partners in March 2024 to launch a multi-agency ghost car task force. This team includes the MTA, DMV, Port Authority, State Police, and others. Their combined efforts have resulted in over 1,100 arrests, 49,200 summonses, and 4,700 vehicle seizures, amounting to $56 million in unpaid tolls and fines recovered.

A Safer, More Orderly New York

Year-to-date, New York City has seen a 6.3 percent drop in overall index crime, with notable reductions in homicides, robberies, assaults, and vehicle thefts. Officials say the aggressive targeting of ghost cars and scooters has played a key role in this progress.

Acting DSNY Commissioner Javier Lojan emphasized, “New Yorkers were tired of the red tape and delays in removing abandoned vehicles. This administration is delivering results.”

Voices of Support from Across the City

Community leaders and elected officials praised the initiative.

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon called the crackdown "a critical step forward in keeping Staten Island streets safe,” while Councilmember David Carr noted that even with limited manpower, the NYPD’s enforcement numbers speak for themselves.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella added, “These illegal mopeds are not just a nuisance. They pose a real danger. We support every effort to eliminate them from our streets.”

A Message to Offenders

As city officials continue their aggressive enforcement campaign, the message is clear: If you operate an illegal or unregistered vehicle in New York City, you will face consequences—and your vehicle won’t escape them either.

This operation is not just about removing metal from the streets; it’s about restoring safety, order, and peace of mind to New Yorkers who deserve to walk their neighborhoods without fear.