Gov. Kathy Hochul's office released results from three traffic enforcement operations that took place over the summer, focusing on toll violators and ghost plates in the Hudson Valley and Buffalo.

According to the governor's office, there has been a "notable increase in the use of fraudulent or 'ghost' plates over the past few years."

These so-called 'ghost plates' help drivers pass through tolls without having to pay.

"Ghost plates are either illegitimate plates, they're counterfeit plates…These people are essentially stealing by having illegitimate license plates," said Robert Sinclair Jr., the senior manager of public affairs with AAA Northeast.

To combat toll violators, New York State Police held three enforcement operations, two on the Mario Cuomo Bridge, which connects Rockland and Westchester County, and one on Interstate 90 in Buffalo.

The findings reported that 140 vehicles were seized, and more than 700 tickets were written during the operations.

According to the governor's office, toll violators owed close to $125,000 to the Thruway Authority. They say 20 vehicle owners represented 57% of the total money owed.

Troopers also issued tickets for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while holding a cellphone and other infractions.

Hochul’s office recommends motorists avoid violations by paying tolls on time through E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail.