The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania State Police are working together to collect past-due tolls. If drivers owe $250 in unpaid tolls or four unpaid Toll by Plate invoices (camera-detected), their registrations are subject to suspension.
The two agencies conducted their first joint toll enforcement operation in the spring, resulting in more than 200 traffic stops and significant collection of unpaid tolls. Troopers will issue tickets and citations and may impound vehicles of drivers with suspended registrations linked to unpaid turnpike tolls and fees during the statewide operation.
Enforcement teams targeted drivers with suspended licenses due to unpaid tolls plus aggressive drivers throughout the month.
On a record-setting day, officers made 23 stops, with more than 90 percent of drivers taking action to pay outstanding balances or comply with regulations. That single day yielded more than $48,000 in unpaid tolls, with potential collections exceeding $130,000 in past-due balances.
During another enforcement action, officers stopped a customer who owed more than $100,000 in unpaid tolls.
Since 2018, the turnpike has issued more than 200,000 suspension eligibility letters to Pennsylvania-registered vehicle owners, with more than 67,000 vehicles remaining in active suspension status.
The turnpike plans to continue working with state police to refine enforcement processes. Last fall, the commission announced a partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to pursue civil action against violators who owe more than $12,000.
The agency successfully collects 92 to 94 percent of transactions, aligning with national industry standards. Strategic enforcement efforts over the past five years have resulted in increased payments from motorists.
The turnpike operates without tax dollars, with maintenance, construction and operating costs financed by travelers who use the road. Drivers with E-ZPass save up to 50 percent on tolls compared to the Toll By Plate system, which captures license plates through on-roadway cameras and sends invoices to registered owners within 30 days of travel.
Driving with suspended registration can result in significant fines, driver’s license suspension and immediate vehicle impoundment.
