PA State Police, PA Turnpike Launch Second Statewide Toll Enforcement Crackdown

The PA Turnpike and State Police launch an October 2026 crackdown on unpaid tolls. Learn how to check for registration suspensions, pay invoices, and avoid impoundment.

PA State Police, PA Turnpike Launch Second Statewide Toll Enforcement Crackdown

October initiative builds on successful spring operation targeting suspended registration

Quick Summary:

• The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is teaming up with the PA State Police for their second statewide toll enforcement crackdown in October targeting vehicles with toll‑related registration suspensions.
• Drivers pulled over face significant fines, driver’s license suspension and immediate car impoundment.
• Previous operations resulted in 200+ traffic stops, with most drivers taking action to resolve unpaid toll balances — some exceeding $100,000 owed.
• The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has collected $74 million from toll violators and maintains a 92–94% collection rate, aligned with national tolling standards.

 

Middletown, Pa. —  Following a spring enforcement operation that resulted in more than 200 traffic stops and prompted stopped motorists to take action toward payment, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will launch a second statewide toll enforcement initiative in October. This 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 PA 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 PSP 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.

“The Pennsylvania State Police remain committed to enforcing the laws that help keep our roadways safe and promote compliance,” said Cpl. Richard Levan of PSP Troop T. “Operating a vehicle with a suspended registration due to unpaid tolls is a violation of the law, and this initiative reinforces the importance of addressing these violations and complying with registration requirements. Our partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission allows us to address these violations directly and reinforce the importance of resolving outstanding toll obligations before operating a vehicle on the Turnpike. By enforcing these requirements, we help promote compliance and accountability while supporting a safe and responsible travel environment for everyone who uses the Turnpike.”

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 is a serious traffic violation that 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.  

“Our approach is about making it easier to pay and harder to avoid paying,” said PA Turnpike Commission COO 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 2026, the PA 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 PA Turnpike, saving up to 50% on tolls. For those without E-ZPass, cameras capture images of vehicles traveling on the PA Turnpike, which are processed to identify the license plate. The PA 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 PA 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.

The PA Turnpike is a limited access toll road and does not receive tax dollars for its operations. Instead, its maintenance, construction and other operating costs are financed by travelers choosing to use the road. 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.

A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What triggers a toll‑related registration suspension?

Drivers hit suspension when they owe $250+ in unpaid tolls/fees or have four unpaid Toll By Plate invoices.

2. What happens if I drive with a suspended registration on the PA Turnpike?

Driving with a suspended registration is illegal. You may face citations, fines, license suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment.

3. How do police identify toll violators?

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is Troop T. Law enforcement uses license plate recognition technology to flag vehicles with suspended registrations.

4. How can I avoid toll fees or enforcement actions?

Pay invoices on time using E‑ZPass or Toll By Plate—E‑ZPass offers the lowest rates.

5. How successful is the PA Turnpike at collecting unpaid tolls?

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has collected $74 million from toll violators and maintains a 92–94% collection rate.

6. Why is the PA Turnpike doing toll enforcement crackdowns?

Crackdowns target motorists who repeatedly ignore toll invoices, ensuring fairness for customers who pay.

7. Would adding toll collectors back help with enforcement?

Toll evasion existed even with toll collectors. Cashless tolling prioritizes safety by eliminating traditional stop-and-go tolling, improving sightlines and removing employees from toll lanes alongside live traffic, while also meeting customer expectations for nonstop travel.

 

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Media Contacts:

Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: 267-408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com 

Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: 717-870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com

Cpl. Richard Levan, PA State Police Troop T Public Information Officer: 717-831-7959, riclevan@pa.gov