Following a spring enforcement operation that resulted in more than 200 traffic stops and prompted stopped motorists to take action toward payment, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will launch a second statewide toll enforcement initiative in October. This coordinated action will target motorists driving vehicles with suspended registrations resulting from unpaid tolls. Troopers may issue citations, and when applicable, impound vehicles operated by drivers with suspended registrations.
“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.”
In April, the Commission and PSP teamed up for their first enforcement. During that single, record-setting day, troopers made more than 200 traffic stops, netting 23 drivers who owed more than $130,000 in past due toll balances. More than 90% of those stops resulted in drivers taking action to pay outstanding toll balances or come into compliance, with approximately $85,000 collected. During another enforcement action, troopers stopped a motorist who owed more than $100,000 in unpaid tolls, who then entered into a payment plan.
Since then, troopers have stopped more than 1,100 additional motorists with toll-related registration suspensions. The Commission will continue working with PSP to strengthen enforcement efforts against the relatively small percentage of drivers who refuse to pay.
“The Pennsylvania State Police remain committed to enforcing the laws that help keep our roadways safe and promote compliance,” said Cpl. Richard Levan of PSP Troop T. “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. Our partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission allows us to address these violations directly and reinforce the importance of resolving outstanding toll obligations before operating a vehicle on the Turnpike. By enforcing these requirements, we help promote compliance and accountability while supporting a safe and responsible travel environment for everyone who uses the Turnpike.”
Drivers who accrue $250 in unpaid tolls and fees – or four unpaid Toll By Plate invoices – are referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for registration suspension. Since 2018, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has issued more than 200,000 Eligible for Suspension letters to PA-registered owners. Of that number, more than 67,000 vehicles remain in active suspension status.
Driving with suspended registration is a serious traffic violation that may lead to significant fines, driver’s license suspension and immediate car impoundment. The PA Turnpike supports the use of license plate recognition technology by law enforcement officials on and off its roadway to identify those operating a vehicle with a suspended registration.
“Our approach is about making it easier to pay and harder to avoid paying,” said PA 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.”
