New York driver fined when he tried a simple trick to outsmart police — they showed no mercy

What started as a simple traffic check in upstate New York quickly turned into a cautionary tale — and a reminder of how far some drivers go to avoid the rules.

State troopers on Route 20 near Lafayette pulled over a vehicle after noticing its plates didn’t match any registered documentation. But the real surprise came when they looked at the windshield.

Instead of official inspection and registration stickers, officers found hand-drawn decals, sketched with marker, felt-tip pen, and even what appeared to be crayon. Someone had even drawn a fake barcode by hand.

Police later said in a statement that “as a friendly reminder arts and crafts supplies do not count as valid documentation.”

The driver behind the fake stickers

The driver, identified as 50-year-old Gregory T. Cawley, was hit with a long list of violations, including:

• Operating an unregistered vehicle
• No valid inspection
• Using incorrect license plates
• Missing left side mirror
• Exhaust system violations
• Driving without a valid license

His car was immediately towed from the scene.

Why police say this isn’t an isolated incident

Authorities warn that this case is part of a growing trend involving so-called “ghost cars” — vehicles with fake, hidden, or deliberately altered plates and stickers. These cars are often used to dodge tolls, avoid traffic-camera tickets, or conceal criminal activity.

New York City has treated the problem as a priority. In April 2025, new regulations went into effect requiring plates to remain completely visible and unobstructed — no plastic covers, no reflective shields, no mud, no paint, and no modifications of any kind.

Drivers who ignore the rule face fines starting at $50 for having blocked or unreadable plates, whether the vehicle is moving or parked.

NYPD sends a clear message

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch underscored the city’s stance on the issue, stating:

“Ghost plates only exist to evade the law, and they pose a threat to both public safety and traffic safety.”

The unusual discovery on Route 20 may have looked almost comical at first glance — but for New York authorities, it’s a sign of how serious the “ghost car” problem has become.

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