# Cheating Automatic Toll Booths by Obscuring License Plates
The *Wall Street Journal* recently reported on the various techniques drivers are using to obscure their license plates in order to evade toll charges from automatic readers. Some drivers have resorted to power-washing paint off their plates or covering them with household items like leaf-shaped magnets. The Port Authority has noted a significant increase in summonses issued for obstructed, missing, or fictitious license plates compared to the previous year.
According to the report, one driver from New Jersey used a device called a “flipper” to remotely swap out their real license plate for a fake one before reaching a toll area. In a bizarre twist, the fake plate corresponded to a real one registered to a bewildered woman who kept receiving toll bills she did not incur. This highlights the creativity and audacity of some drivers in bypassing toll systems.
Cathy Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels in New York City, showcased videos of these deceptive tactics, including a car with a flipper that changed its plates from New York to Texas within minutes. Another car was seen using a device to lower a cover over the license plate, resembling a curtain. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by authorities in combating toll evasion through technological means.
The article also references a post on Boing Boing, which further explores the elaborate ways in which drivers are circumventing toll booth systems. From license plate flippers to duct tape, these sneaky tactics are costing authorities millions in lost toll revenue. It is evident that the cat-and-mouse game between toll evaders and law enforcement is evolving, requiring innovative solutions to ensure toll collection efficiency.
## Key Points:
– Drivers are using creative methods to obscure their license plates and bypass automatic toll booth systems.
– The Port Authority has seen a rise in summonses for obstructed, missing, or fictitious license plates.
– Cathy Sheridan showcased videos of deceptive tactics used by drivers to evade toll charges.
– Boing Boing post delves deeper into the various ways drivers are cheating toll booths, costing authorities millions.
– Authorities need to adapt and implement novel strategies to combat toll evasion effectively.
In conclusion, the prevalence of drivers using deceptive tactics to avoid toll charges highlights the need for stricter enforcement measures and technological advancements in toll booth systems. As authorities continue to grapple with these challenges, it is crucial to stay ahead of innovative methods employed by toll evaders to ensure fair and efficient toll collection processes.