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The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania State Police are teaming up next month for the state's first-ever joint toll enforcement initiative, targeting drivers with unpaid tolls and those engaging in aggressive driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Starting in April, troopers will fan out across the turnpike statewide, issuing tickets and citations, and impounding vehicles belonging to drivers whose registrations have been suspended because of unpaid tolls. The crackdown will also target speeding, unsafe lane changes, and other dangerous driving habits.
Drivers can have their vehicle registration suspended if they rack up $250 or more in unpaid tolls and fees, or if they have four or more unpaid Toll By Plate invoices. Since 2018, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has sent more than 200,000 "Eligible for Suspension" letters to Pennsylvania-registered vehicle owners. As of Thursday (March 26), more than 67,000 vehicles remain under active suspension status.
Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, made clear that ignoring toll invoices is no longer a low-risk move. "Cracking down on drivers who have consistently ignored multiple invoices and outreach is a priority for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission," Compton said. "This supports our commitment to managing a fair, equitable roadway system for our 550,000 daily customers — the majority of whom follow the law and pay their tolls on time. The best way to avoid being stopped is to pay what you owe today."
Drivers stopped with a suspended registration face serious consequences, including heavy fines, possible suspension of their driver's license, and on-the-spot vehicle impoundment. Impounded vehicles will also rack up additional towing fees on top of any existing toll debt.
Cpl. Richard Levan of Pennsylvania State Police Troop T said the partnership is about more than collecting tolls. "Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we are taking decisive action against aggressive driving and vehicles operating with suspended registrations due to unpaid tolls," Levan said. "By holding drivers accountable, deterring unsafe behavior, and enforcing the rules of the road, we protect every motorist who travels these highways."
The Pennsylvania Turnpike supports law enforcement's use of license plate recognition technology — both on and off its roadways — to identify drivers operating with suspended registrations.
Pennsylvania Turnpike COO Craig Shuey noted that drivers have more payment options than ever. "Customers have more ways than ever to pay tolls, including digital, web-based, and cash options; still, we have those who don't think the law applies to them," Shuey said.
According to NBC10, some drivers owe tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid tolls. Those extreme cases are referred to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for civil prosecution. This past fall, the Turnpike Commission announced it was working with the Attorney General's Office to pursue civil action against individual violators owing more than $12,000.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike does not receive tax dollars. It funds all of its maintenance, construction, and operations through toll revenue collected from drivers who use the road. The Commission reports a toll collection success rate of between 92% and 94%, in line with national industry standards.
Drivers can sidestep the enforcement action entirely by paying outstanding balances now through E-ZPass or Toll By Plate. E-ZPass users save up to 50% on tolls compared to Toll By Plate rates. The Commission says results from the April enforcement operations will be made public in May.