Gov. Wolf signs law to yank Turnpike toll scofflaws' vehicle registrations

[FakeNoose]

(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2022/11/03/tom-wolf-signs-law-toll-scofflaws-vehicle-registrations-turnpike-unpaid/stories/202211030096

HARRISBURG — A measure to help the Pennsylvania Turnpike recover more unpaid tolls was signed into law Thursday, legislation that could trigger the suspension of thousands of vehicle registrations early next year.

Gov. Tom Wolf gave final approval to legislation aimed at getting owners or operators of some 25,000 vehicles to pay their overdue bills for turnpike travel.

After the law takes effect in two months, the process will start with the Turnpike Commission notifying registrants they are seeking to have their registrations suspended. At least a month later, the toll agency can ask the Transportation Department to start the process, and PennDOT said it will give the owners six weeks' notice.

“The customer is given several notices and opportunities to pay the tolls they owe before their registration is suspended,” PennDOT spokeswoman Alexis Campbell said.

- more at link -

I don't have EZ Pass because it's seldom that I need to drive on toll roads. However last month I took the Turnpike and was surprised to find out that I couldn't pay the $4.10 toll in cash. Drivers just go through the narrow gate without stopping, however the Turnpike has taken a photo of every license plate - both entering and exiting. So it's easy to go online and pay the toll by credit or debit card. Or you can mail a check to the Turnpike Authority if you prefer. What we can't do is pay by cash.

The only problem is that so many drivers have just said "Screw it, I'm not paying." The PA tolls must be paid before we can renew our vehicle registration. If we still don't pay our tolls, the state will suspend PA vehicle registration until the tolls are paid. So pay up, folks. It's not that hard to do.

[roamer65]

1. I love my IPASS.

The Illinois Tollway IPASS works in IL and anywhere EZPASS works.

50 pct off the cash toll price in IL as well with it.

Makes Chicago travel a LOT easier.

[Probatim]

2. EZPass is the only way to go - $4.10 in cash vs $1.70 with the pass.

No brainer.

[FakeNoose]

3. Not for me, because I'd only use it once every 5 years or so

You're supposed to maintain a balance that they deduct from, I think it used to be $25. Not sure, but that's what someone told me a long time ago. If I lived in New Jersey, yes I'd definitely need EZ Pass.

[doc03]

4. The tolls are too damn High. When I lived in Virginia

the toll from Breezwood to New Stanton was 85 cents a
penny a mile the last time drove that it was I think $18.
The toll to go to the Pittsburgh airport was 50 cents each way they eliminated the toll takers now it is $1.75 each way. They extended the airport turnpike to South Point I
hear it is around $18 to go about 15 miles out and back. WV is just as bad. I hear the tolls to go from Pittsburgh to NYC and back runs about $200.