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

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber took to the airwaves to defend City's congestion pricing from what he called “grievance politics” Tuesday, ahead of the second rush-hour under the controversial tolling plan,

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.

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.

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.

New York City drivers who obscure or cover their license plates to skirt automated tolls and tickets are in for a rude awakening, the city transportation department warned on Tuesday.

The new toll, up to $9 for passenger cars at peak times, is intended to support public transit, reduce traffic, and help emergency vehicles move faster.

New York City officials say they will ramp up enforcement efforts against drivers trying to evade the new $9 congestion pricing toll by obscurig their license plates. FOX 5 NY's Linda Schmidt has the story.

Three days after congestion pricing began, officials are already tackling toll evasion and cracking down on drivers breaking the law. One city council member is also facing criticism after explaining how to disable the cameras.

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.