Pennsylvania Turnpike partners with attorney general to crack down on “egregious” unpaid toll cases

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has partnered with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to crack down on “egregious” unpaid toll cases as part of a new strategic enforcement effort. Over the past year, more than 100 serious toll violation cases, involving drivers who owe over $12,000 in unpaid tolls and fees, have been referred to the Attorney General’s Civil Law Division for civil collection actions. This partnership aims to ensure accountability for those who evade toll payments and to promote fairness for law-abiding motorists who use the turnpike.

The toll collection enforcement process typically includes three phases: sending Toll By Plate invoices to registered owners, referring unpaid cases to collection agencies, and suspending vehicle registrations for customers with multiple unpaid invoices or debts exceeding $250. For the most egregious violators who ignore these measures, the case is now escalated to the Attorney General’s office for stronger legal action.

Driving with a suspended registration is a serious traffic violation that can result in fines, license suspension, and vehicle impounding. The Turnpike also uses license plate recognition technology to identify and enforce penalties on violators. So far, the initiative has led to the collection of over $56 million in unpaid tolls and fees, with a payment success rate of 92-94% within 60 days, aligning with industry standards.

To facilitate compliance, the Turnpike has expanded payment options to include Google Pay, Apple Pay, and a cash payment network, allowing customers to pay bills conveniently online, by phone, in person, or via QR code. This partnership reflects a commitment to hold accountable those who use the turnpike without paying, thus preventing the costs from being unfairly passed onto responsible drivers