Crackdown targets suspended drivers with unpaid PA turnpike tolls

For the second time this year, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and state police will be on the lookout for motorists driving with suspended registrations resulting from unpaid tolls.

Troopers may issue citations or impound vehicles operated by drivers with suspended registrations as part of the enforcement effort in October, officials announced Wednesday.

The crackdown follows a similar operation in April that resulted in more than 200 traffic stops and prompted stopped motorists to make payments, officials said.

“The first operation made it clear that ignoring toll invoices does not make the obligation go away,” turnpike CEO Mark Compton said in the commission’s announcement of the initiative. “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,” he said.

During the April crackdown, officials said, troopers stopped 23 drivers who owed more than $130,000 in past-due toll charges.

More than 90% of the stops resulted in drivers paying outstanding toll balances or coming into compliance, with approximately $85,000 collected, they said.

Troopers since then have stopped more than 1,100 motorists with toll-related registration suspensions, officials said.

“The Pennsylvania State Police remain committed to enforcing the laws that help keep our roadways safe and promote compliance,” said state police 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.”

Drivers who accrue $250 in unpaid tolls and fees — or four unpaid Toll By Plate invoices — are referred to the PennDOT for registration suspension.

Since 2018, the turnpike has issued more than 200,000  eligible-for-suspension letters to Pennsylvania-registered owners. Of that number, more than 67,000 vehicles remain suspended.

Motorists can avoid fees, registration suspensions or additional enforcement by paying their bills on time via E-ZPass or Toll By Plate. Officials noted that using E-ZPass can save up to 50% on tolls.

For motorists without an E-ZPass, cameras on the turnpike capture images of their vehicles and license plates. The turnpike issues an invoice to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of travel.

Since converting to cashless tolling, officials said, the turnpike’s collection rate is 92%-94% — a figure aligned with tolling industry standards.

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