Police said a disappearing-reappearing license plate was part of a Virginia trucker's trick to dodge paying tolls.
Nelson Vaquiz of Beaverdam was arrested on his way into New York City on the George Washington Bridge.
Police said Vaquiz had run a cable from the cab of his big rig truck through the body and down to the bumper of the vehicle. When he pulled the cord, Port Authority officers said, the front license plate would flip up.
Without a clear shot of the license plate, cameras cannot bill or fine a truck driving through the EZ-Pass lanes without a tag. Police said the rear license plate was bent so it could not be read, either.
The cash toll for a three-axle truck crossing the bridge from New Jersey is $39. The toll for a six-axle vehicle is $78.
Vaquiz was charged with theft of service, possession of burglar tools and eluding arrest. He was released on bail.
Calls to his business phone by the AP were not answered.
Police Say Virginia Trucker Uses James Bond-Like Device to Beat Tolls
Nelson Vaquiz arrested en route to New York City
Copyright AP - Associated Press