Troopers will patrol the turnpike system with the authority to issue citations and impound vehicles belonging to motorists with active registration suspensions, officials said
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania State Police are launching a statewide crackdown in April to sideline aggressive drivers and those operating vehicles with registrations suspended due to unpaid tolls.
The coordinated enforcement wave marks the first toll enforcement partnership between the two agencies.
State Police (Credit: File photo)Troopers will patrol the turnpike system with the authority to issue citations and impound vehicles belonging to motorists with active registration suspensions, officials said.
Under Pennsylvania law, drivers who rack up $250 in unpaid tolls and fees, or who ignore four Toll-By-Plate invoices, are referred to PennDOT for vehicle registration suspension.
Since 2018, the commission has issued over 200,000 suspension warnings to Pennsylvania-registered owners, officials said.
As of this week, more than 67,000 of those vehicles remain in active suspension status.
Turnpike officials offered a simple way for drivers to avoid problems – pay unsettled tolls and use E-ZPass.
A sign at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission building in King of Prussia, Montgomery County. File photo.“Cracking down on drivers who have consistently ignored multiple invoices and outreach is a priority,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “The best way to avoid being stopped is to pay what you owe today.”
The Turnpike, which relies almost entirely on toll revenue for maintenance and construction, uses license plate recognition technology to identify violators.
While the commission reports a 92% to 94% collection success rate, officials said the enforcement is a matter of fairness for the 550,000 daily customers who pay on time.
“Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we are taking decisive action against aggressive driving and vehicles operating with suspended registrations,” said Cpl. Richard Levan of state police Troop T, which patrols the Turnpike. “By holding drivers accountable, deterring unsafe behavior, and enforcing the rules of the road, we protect every motorist who travels these highways.”
The enforcement push follows a move last fall by the commission to work with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office to chase civil action against “egregious” violators owing more than $12,000.
Turnpike COO Craig Shuey said motorists have various digital and cash-based options to settle debts before facing law enforcement actions.
“Still, we have those who don’t think the law applies to them,” Shuey said. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and their willingness to prioritize this operation.”
Motorists whose vehicles are impounded during the April enforcement wave will be responsible for additional costs, including standard towing fees.
Results of the enforcement operation are expected to be released in May.
