Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, State Police team up to target aggressive drivers, unpaid toll offenders

The new initiative is designed to crack down on aggressive driving and those who are driving under a suspended license due to unpaid Turnpike tolls, officials said.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced it will team up with State Police next month to crack down on aggressive drivers and those driving under suspended registration due to unpaid tolls.

This toll enforcement initiative, the first of its kind, will take place across the state, the Turnpike Commission said in a press release. Troopers will issue tickets or citations to aggressive drivers or impound the vehicles of drivers with suspended registrations linked to unpaid Pa. Turnpike tolls and fees.

“Cracking down on drivers who have consistently ignored multiple invoices and outreach is a priority for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission,” said Pa. Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “This supports our commitment to managing a fair, equitable roadway system for our 550,000 daily customers – majority of whom follow the law and pay their tolls on time. The best way to avoid being stopped is to pay what you owe today.”

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 Turnpike Commission said. 

Driving with suspended registration could lead to significant fines, driver’s license suspension and immediate car impoundment, the Turnpike Commission said.

The Turnpike Commission said it 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. 

“The Pennsylvania State Police are committed to keeping our roadways safe and ensuring that every driver follows the law,” said Cpl. Richard Levan of PSP Troop T. “Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we are taking decisive action against aggressive driving and vehicles operating with suspended registrations due to unpaid tolls. 

“By holding drivers accountable, deterring unsafe behavior, and enforcing the rules of the road, we protect every motorist who travels these highways. This initiative underscores our shared commitment to responsible driving, safer roadways, and a Turnpike system that is fair, lawful, and secure for all Pennsylvanians.”

The initiative highlights 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 collects the overwhelming majority of transactions, with success rates ranging between 92-94%, aligning with nationwide industry standards. Over the last five years, the PA Turnpike’s strategic enforcement efforts resulted in increased payments from these motorists.

“Customers have more ways than ever to pay tolls, including digital, web-based and cash options; still, we have those who don’t think the law applies to them,” said Pa. Turnpike COO Craig Shuey. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and their willingness to prioritize this operation. It reiterates our shared commitment to holding those who break the law accountable,”

Motorists can avoid fees, registration suspensions or additional enforcement by paying their bills, the Turnpike Commission said. 

E-ZPass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel on the Pa. Turnpike, saving up to 50% on tolls. If you don’t have an E-ZPass, cameras on the roadway capture images of vehicles traveling on the Pa. Turnpike, which are processed to identify the license plate. Then, the Pa. Turnpike will issue an invoice to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of travel.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a limited access toll road and does not receive tax dollars for its operations, the Turnpike Commission said. 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.

Customers pulled over with suspended registrations will accrue additional fees if their car is impounded, including standard towing service rates. Toll enforcement crackdown results will be shared following the operations in May.