Following a spring enforcement operation that resulted in more than 200 traffic stops, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania State Police will launch a second statewide toll enforcement initiative this month.

The 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 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 state police 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.

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 Pennsylvania-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 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 Turnpike Commission Chief Operating Officer 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.”

Enforcement is one part of the commission’s broader collection efforts designed to strengthen consequences for habitual nonpayment. The commission uses collection agencies and registration suspensions, pursues civil actions and works with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and law enforcement to address egregious cases.

As of August, the Turnpike Commission has collected more than $74 million in unpaid tolls and fees for violators who were in Toll Enforcement.

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 turnpike, saving up to 50% on tolls. For those without E-ZPass, cameras capture images of vehicles traveling on the turnpike, which are processed to identify the license plate. The turnpike issues an invoice to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of travel.

Toll evasion has existed since the roadway opened more than 85 years ago. Since converting to cashless tolling, the turnpike’s revenue remains on track, with the commission successfully collecting 92-94% of transactions — a figure aligned with tolling industry standards.

Open Road Tolling, which launches systemwide in January, moves beyond cashless tolling and assessing tolls electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping beneath overhead structures. Beyond more modernized operations that meet customer expectations for seamless, nonstop travel, Open Road Tolling’s advantages include eliminating traditional stop-and-go tolling; improving opportunities for local access points; and removing employees from toll lanes alongside live traffic.