The roads of NYC are quickly becoming pathways of the haves and have nots due to Congestion Pricing. Is it Equitable? No. Profitable? Yes, to the tune of $3,000,000 a day

Congestion pricing went into effect in New York City this week, charging a toll to drivers entering the city’s central business district below 60th Street in Manhattan. Watch the video player for more on this story.

The toll, known as congestion pricing, is meant to reduce traffic gridlock in densely packed Manhattan while also raising money to help fix the city’s ailing public transit infrastructure. It formally took effect Sunday.

With congestion pricing now in effect in NYC, officials are cracking down on obscured license plates, or "ghost plates," to avoid the toll.

What to Know About New York City’s Congestion Pricing Plan As of Jan. 6, 2025, New York City officially rolled out its long-anticipated congestion pricing plan, becoming the first U.S. city to implement such a measure.

Getting into New York City from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware by car will mean paying the new congestion fee. The Congestion Relief Zone covers all of Manhattan below 60th Street — think Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and the neighborhoods where most of NYC’s iconic attractions are located.

The crackdown could include a $50 fine for parked cars with obstructed plates, in addition to penalties for those caught driving through toll areas undetected.

Anticipating a rise in so-called "ghost vehicles" with the advent of congestion pricing, New York City officials are looking to give police more leeway to go after drivers who hide or obstruct their license plates.