Retired Long Island Grandma Battles Hundreds of Fines and Traffic Violations Over Having ‘Star Trek’ License Plate

When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. But when life hands you a license plate that’s a dead ringer for the USS Enterprise from Star Trek, you end up with a mailbox overflowing with parking tickets. That’s exactly what happened to Breda Koorey, a Long Island grandma who unknowingly became the victim of a bizarre parking fine saga. 

While her innocent license plate, “NCC-1701,” might have delighted Trekkies, the 76-year-old's connection to the Star Trek universe turned out to be a bureaucratic nightmare—more of a curse and less of a cosmic adventure. 

The trouble began when replicas of Koorey’s license plate started popping up online, available for as little as $20 on sites like Amazon and eBay. What was supposed to be a harmless collectible for Star Trek fans turned out to be an invitation for troublemakers.

They’d purchase the plates online, slap them on their cars, and rack up fines—all of which were sent directly to Koorey’s address. Some even went as far as committing crimes, and poor Koorey became the unwitting recipient of the backlash; the license plate was officially registered in her name, after all. 

From Ohio to Canada, Koorey found herself drowning in tickets she didn’t deserve. It was the ultimate collision of fandom and fraud, and she was caught in the crossfire. Let’s break down how Koorey’s brush with Star Trek infamy turned into a legal saga worthy of its own TV drama.

Her only crime was having every Sci-Fi enthusiast’s dream license plate—now the fines won’t stop pouring in!

Koorey’s ordeal began years ago, but it didn’t end when she stopped driving. Despite selling her car and surrendering her license plate, tickets kept piling up. 

The rules around license plates vary by state—some require just one at the rear, while others demand plates on both the front and back.

Replica Star Trek plates were being used illegally by fans or scammers to bypass fines and commit crimes. Some buyers may not have realized the implications, but others clearly knew they were exploiting a loophole.

“I want to cry because it’s a simple matter that they could have fixed,” Koorey told Live 5 News, reflecting on the endless wave of fines that kept arriving at her doorstep.

Overwhelmed and frustrated, she sought legal help from attorney Kenneth Mollins, who discovered the root of the issue: Koorey’s name and address were never removed from the Department of Motor Vehicles’ system despite her surrendering the plate.

Traffic violations can often lead to significant stress and frustration, as experienced by Breda Koorey. Legal expert Nolo emphasizes that individuals facing similar issues should first gather all documentation regarding citations. This includes photographs, receipts, and communication records with the issuing authority. By presenting a well-organized case, one can significantly improve the chances of contesting fines.

Moreover, understanding state laws about personalized plates can provide additional leverage in disputes. Engaging with a local attorney who specializes in traffic law can further enhance the chances of resolving issues favorably.

The legendary NCC-1701: Iconic in space, but causing chaos on Earth for one unsuspecting victim.

CBS New York

New York officials have wiped out 194 bogus tickets tied to the infamous “NCC-1701” plate, but the battle is far from over. Koorey’s attorney still has hundreds more to tackle. 

The fines weren’t just local, either. Koorey received summonses from 23 states, as well as Canada, demanding payment for violations she didn’t commit. 

A ‘Star Trek’ license plate turns 76-year-old Breda Koorey into an unintended ticket magnet

CBS via Getty Images

“Now I’m going to make a hole in the yard and bury these documents, these hundreds of tickets,” Koorey quipped, summing up her frustration.

While her legal battle continues, Koorey’s story is a cautionary tale about how a seemingly harmless novelty item can spiral into a galaxy of chaos. For Star Trek fans, “NCC-1701” may be iconic, but for Breda Koorey, it’s the number she’d rather leave in another dimension. 

Navigating Traffic Violations

Dr. David Anderson, a transportation policy expert, notes that personalized license plates can occasionally lead to unintended consequences. While they’re often a source of pride, they can also attract scrutiny and fines, particularly if they resemble government or official plates. He suggests that individuals should regularly monitor their vehicle's status to avoid accumulating excessive fines.

Additionally, leveraging technology, such as vehicle management apps, can help track violations in real-time. This proactive approach not only prevents disputes but also encourages responsible vehicle ownership and accountability.

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

The saga of Breda Koorey highlights the complex relationship individuals have with personalized license plates and their unintended consequences. According to legal experts, being proactive in managing traffic citations is essential. Keeping thorough records, understanding local regulations, and consulting with specialists can make navigating these challenges more manageable.

Moreover, as Dr. Anderson points out, embracing technology can serve as a preventative measure. By staying informed and utilizing available resources, individuals can mitigate the risk of facing overwhelming fines and promote a smoother driving experience.