In April, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania State Police will team up for their first toll enforcement initiative, targeting aggressive drivers and those driving on a suspended registration resulting from unpaid tolls. This coordinated enforcement initiative will take place across the state, with troopers issuing tickets or citations, or impounding vehicles to drivers with suspended registrations linked to unpaid PA Turnpike tolls and fees.

“Cracking down on drivers who have consistently ignored multiple invoices and outreach is a priority for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “This supports our commitment to managing a fair, equitable roadway system for our 550,000 daily customers — 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 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 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.

This past fall, the PA Turnpike announced it was working with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to pursue civil action against egregious individual violators — those owing more than $12,000.

Paying tolls

The PA Turnpike collects the overwhelming majority of transactions, with success rates ranging between 92% to 94%, aligning with nationwide industry standards. Over the last five years, the PA Turnpike’s strategic enforcement efforts resulted in increased payments from these motorists.

“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. We are grateful for our partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and their willingness to prioritize this operation. It reiterates our shared commitment to holding those who break the law accountable,” said PA Turnpike COO Craig Shuey.

Motorists can avoid fees, registration suspensions or additional enforcement by paying their bills on time via E-ZPass or Toll By Plate. E-ZPass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel on the PA Turnpike, saving up to 50% on tolls. If you don’t have an E-ZPass, cameras on the roadway capture images of vehicles traveling on the PA Turnpike, which are processed to identify the license plate. Then, the PA Turnpike will issue an invoice to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of travel.

Customers pulled over with suspended registrations will accrue additional fees if their car is impounded, including standard towing service rates. Toll enforcement crackdown results will be shared following the operations in May.

The PA Turnpike has more than 550,000 daily customers, 24/7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police troop.