(WHTM) — Turnpike scofflaws beware, if a proposed bill in the Pennsylvania Senate passes.

Republican Senators Kim Ward and Judy Ward announced plans Thursday to introduce a bill that would add or enhance penalties for those who skirt the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s tolls.

If passed, drivers who have a suspended registration due to unpaid tolls would also face a trespassing offense if they drive that vehicle on the turnpike. Registration can be suspended with $250 or more in unpaid tolls.

The bill would also create a theft of toll road services offense for repeat offenders, as well as a “serious fare evasion” offense, a felony, for those who have more than $10,000 in unpaid tolls.

“The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a critical part of our Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure system, and the revenue generated through the automation of toll services is one way to maintain it,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. “While the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission collects more than 90% of its tolls, recent data shows that more than $200 million went unpaid which means taxpayers are footing the bill. This legislation aims to crack down on egregious offenders that racket up thousands in unpaid tolls to ensure that honest toll payers and taxpayers are not burdened with the fiduciary responsibility for frequent toll evaders.”

“The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of our Commonwealth’s most important transportation assets, but persistent toll evasion undermines its financial stability and shifts costs onto law-abiding motorists,” said Sen. Judy Ward. “This legislation equips the Turnpike Commission with modern enforcement tools to hold repeat offenders accountable and recover millions in unpaid tolls.”

The turnpike is a 565-mile road network.

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The legislators say violators are continuing to exploit the system as open road tolling continues to roll out. More than $200 million in uncollected tolls remains outstanding.

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