A special Pennsylvania license plate launched last year is causing some drivers to receive false tickets on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the state said.
The special plates released for America’s 250th anniversary are being misread by the state’s automated plate readers, with zero being confused with the number 8.
The “Let Freedom Ring” plates were initially launched in July 2025. They feature a zero with a line through the middle of it, originally stylized that way because older readers were having issues distinguishing between zero and the letter 0.
“Our team is actively working with our ALPR software vendors to refine the system’s ability to accurately recognize the different plate characters,” a spokesperson for the Turnpike Commission told Patch. “This process isn’t an easy fix. Instead, it requires time and continuous analysis to ensure the technology can learn and adapt effectively.”
The Commission added that issue would impact other agencies that use license plate recognition software as well, like traffic cameras.
However, the new design has led to an unknown number of drivers receiving tickets meant for somebody else. It’s not yet clear how many drivers have been affected.
“The new plate design meets PennDOT production and legibility requirements and was developed in consultation with PA State Police and the PA Turnpike,” PennDOT said in a statement.
PennDOT said the slash was also recommended by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators as a best practice.
Drivers can address incorrect Pennsylvania Turnpike toll charges by contacting the Turnpike at 1-877-736-6727