Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders
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Pennsylvania is cracking down on Turnpike toll evaders as state lawmakers eye harsher penalties for habitual scofflaws.
Why it matters: The state is losing out on more than $200 million in uncollected tolls, hiking costs for the rest of us who pay our toll bills.
State of play: State troopers are teaming up with the state Turnpike Commission this month to launch a campaign targeting aggressive drivers and those with a suspended registration due to unpaid tolls and fees.
- The statewide enforcement will include impounding vehicles.
🤖 You've been warned: State troopers will also use license plate recognition technology to assist with identifying violators.
Meanwhile, state senators say they're teeing up a range of new offenses for toll evaders.
- The yet-to-be-revealed proposal would include creating a third-degree felony offense for those with unpaid tolls topping $10,000.
- The legislation will be introduced into the General Assembly soon.
By the numbers: Philly — by far — leads all counties in the state with both the highest number of toll violators (34,112 drivers) and unpaid tolls (nearly $38 million and counting). Followed by:
- Bucks County: 15,056 toll violators with $19.8 million in unpaid tolls.
- Montgomery County: 14,121, roughly $16.3 million.
- Lehigh County: 6,122, nearly $7.2 million.
1 stunning stat: $116,115.30 — the largest unpaid toll tab that the Turnpike has referred to the state prosecutors' office, per the agency.
- This bill is linked to a commercial vehicle out of Montgomery County.
Context: The Turnpike Commission runs 565 miles of toll roads, including the main turnpike (I-76) and I-476 (a.k.a. the Blue Route).
- Turnpike tolls rose 4% this year.
Worth noting: The Turnpike collects 92%-94% of transactions within 60 days.
How it works: $250 in unpaid Turnpike tolls and fees (or four unpaid Toll By Plate invoices) will trigger a referral to the state's Department of Transportation for registration suspension.
- More than 67,000 vehicles remain in active suspension status due to unpaid tolls.
- Drivers can see if they have any unpaid Turnpike tolls on the agency's website.