Vehicles driving without proper license plates are being targeted by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).

“We are sending a message that everyone must obey our traffic laws,” APD Chief Harold Medina said in a recent news release from the City. “We know many offenders conceal their identities during crimes by driving vehicles without license plates.”

The action is another step toward trying to limit the amount of crime the city is experiencing. The release noted that Traffic Division officers will be on patrol looking for individuals driving without a proper license plate. Those ticketed for not properly displaying a current license plate or altering a plate could face a fine of up to $25 along with court fees.

While that might seem like a small fine, the larger goal is to catch criminals purposely trying to conceal any information that might lead to their identity.

“We are cracking down on that practice,” Medina said in the release.

State law prohibits officers from having a vehicle towed solely based on the fact that a license plate is not present, the release said. Factors that could justify a tow include, for example, the driver does not have a valid driver's license or the vehicle is not insured.

In 2021, 2,062 tickets were written to drivers who did not have proof of registration, and another 1,266 received tickets for not having a plate or paper tag on their vehicle; a report from the Albuquerque Journal said.