PA State Police and PA Turnpike Toll Enforcement Crackdown Holds Drivers Accountable

MIDDLETOWN, PA - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) is making strides in holding toll evaders accountable. In April, the Commission and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) 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 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.  

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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission uses all tools available to enhance toll collections, with the understanding that meaningful results are often achieved through strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies,” said PA Turnpike COO Craig Shuey. “We appreciate our partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and are grateful for their willingness to prioritize this operation."

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.

Driving with suspended registration is a serious traffic violation that may lead to significant fines, driver’s license suspension and immediate vehicle impoundment. 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. Drivers without E-ZPass have their license plates captured via on-roadway cameras, and images are processed to identify the license plate. Then, the PA Turnpike issues an invoice to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of travel. 

Customers pulled over with suspended registrations will accrue additional fees if their car is impounded, including standard towing service rates.

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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