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The State Police today announced a new black patrol car with a frosted image of the division's logo that will be patrolling the Turnpike just in time for the unofficial start of summer. (Courtesy of N.J. State Police)
TRENTON — The next time you decide to floor it and blow down the New Jersey Turnpike, beware of a new fleet of "ghost cars" lurking in traffic and waiting to stick you with a ticket.
The State Police today unveiled a newly designed black Chevy Caprice with a frosted image of the division's logo that will be out on the streets just in time for the unofficial start of summer. While the cars are technically marked, they won't stand out in traffic.
"The only new thing here is the graphics," State Police Capt. Stephen Jones said. "We've had unmarked cars for years, and it is an effective way to catch that segment of idiot drivers who behave dangerously on the roads until they see a marked car."
Jones said these new cars will blend in, just like unmarked cars.
"So when one of those people drives by at Mach 2, they're going to get pulled over and surprised," he said. "And shame on you. I don't want to hear any whining."
POLL:
Will these new cars cause you to slow down?
Jones declined to say how many of the newly designed cars will be out on the state's major thoroughfare, but said it will be more than one. He said State Police opted for the frosted graphic so that people who get pulled over know it's an official car.
Asked whether he knew any true ghost stories about the Turnpike, Jones said he hadn't heard of any — yet. And if they do come around, Jones said he'd welcome the help.
"I'd love to see our personnel levels bolstered with some spirits," he said.
Christopher Baxter may be reached at cbaxter@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cbaxter1. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.