The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania State Police will launch a second statewide toll enforcement initiative in October.
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During the coordinated push, troopers may issue citations and impound vehicles driven by motorists with suspended registrations.
The upcoming campaign follows a record-setting spring operation.
During a single enforcement day in April, troopers conducted more than 200 traffic stops and identified 23 drivers who collectively owed over $130,000 in past-due tolls.
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More than 90% of those motorists took immediate action to pay or resolve their balances, resulting in the collection of roughly $85,000.
In a separate enforcement action, state police stopped a motorist owing more than $100,000 in unpaid tolls, who subsequently set up a payment plan.
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Since April, state police have stopped more than 1,100 additional drivers with toll-related registration suspensions.
“The first operation made it clear that ignoring toll invoices does not make the obligation go away,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Most of our customers pay their tolls. For those who repeatedly ignore invoices and ultimately have their vehicle registration suspended, there are real consequences. Our partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police is producing results and we will continue strengthening enforcement to protect customers who do the right thing.”
Drivers who accrue $250 in unpaid tolls and fees, or four unpaid Toll By Plate invoices, are referred to PennDOT for registration suspension.
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Since 2018, the Turnpike Commission has issued more than 200,000 “Eligible for Suspension” notices to state-registered owners, with more than 67,000 vehicles currently remaining under active suspension.
“The Pennsylvania State Police remain committed to enforcing the laws that help keep our roadways safe and promote compliance,” said Cpl. Richard Levan, of Troop T, which patrols the Turnpike. “Operating a vehicle with a suspended registration due to unpaid tolls is a violation of the law, and this initiative reinforces the importance of addressing these violations and complying with registration requirements.”
The partnership allows law enforcement to address nonpayment directly before motorists enter the roadway, Levan said.
Driving with a suspended registration carries potential penalties including substantial fines, driver’s license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
The Turnpike Commission said it supports the use of license plate recognition technology by law enforcement both on and off the turnpike system.
“Our approach is about making it easier to pay and harder to avoid paying,” said Turnpike Commission COO Craig Shuey. “Customers have more payment options than ever, but for those who repeatedly ignore invoices and collection efforts, we are also expanding the tools and partnerships available to hold them accountable.”
As of August, the commission has recovered more than $74 million in outstanding tolls and fees.
In January, the turnpike will transition to Open Road Tolling systemwide, which will let motorists to pass under overhead gantries at highway speeds without slowing or stopping. The system removes workers from active traffic lanes and allows for potential new local access points.
Drivers can avoid collection actions by paying bills through E-ZPass, which offers savings of up to 50%, or through Toll By Plate, which mails invoices to registered owners within 30 days of travel.
