The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is making strides in holding toll evaders accountable. In April, the Commission and the Pennsylvania State Police collaborated on their first toll enforcement initiative, targeting aggressive drivers and those driving on a suspended registration resulting from unpaid tolls.

Throughout April, enforcement teams carried out more than 200 traffic stops, including a single, record-setting day of 23 stops. Of those, more than 90% resulted in drivers taking action to pay toll balances or comply with regulations, highlighting the critical enforcement work of both agencies. Unpaid tolls collected from that record-setting day exceeded $48,000, with the opportunity to collect more than $130,000 in past-due toll balances.

Another day’s enforcement action stopped a customer owing more than $100,000 in unpaid tolls.

“As we refine and enhance future enforcement efforts, drivers who continue to ignore invoices will face consequences,” said Pa. Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “While the majority of our 550,000 daily customers follow the law and pay their tolls on time, we will continue to target evaders and make measurable progress on claiming what we’re owed.”

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 Pa. 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.

The Pa. Turnpike will be working with PSP to further refine the process for future enforcement campaigns. This initiative reaffirms the Pa. Turnpike’s commitment to improving its collection efforts, expanding payment options and forming new partnerships. 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.

The Pa. Turnpike successfully collects 92-94% of transactions, aligning with national industry standards. For the last five years, the Pa. Turnpike’s strategic enforcement efforts resulted in increased payments from these motorists.

The Pa. Turnpike is a limited access toll road and receives no tax dollars for its operations. Instead, maintenance, construction and other operating costs are financed by travelers who choose to use it. Paying tolls is a direct investment in the roadway’s infrastructure, supporting operations that provide a safer, more reliable highway system benefiting communities across the Commonwealth.