NJ-NY Toll Evaders Caught In $21M Crackdown, Thousands Ticketed

NEW JERSEY — A "coordinated crackdown" on toll evasion garnered $21 million in past due fees as transportation authorities ticketed upwards of 4,500 people in 2022, said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Tuesday.

The Port Authority issued close to 4,700 summonses last year, including for drivers with suspended registration and obstructed/missing/fake license plates, as well as those who attempted to evade tolls at the agency's regional crossings:

• Suspended registration: 775
• Toll evasion: 1,584
• Obstructed, missing, or fictitious license plates: 2,325

The Authority transferred to an all-cashless system in December, and officials said they enhanced toll enforcement efforts with increased targeted patrols, new technology, policy changes, and business rules to prepare in collaboration with regional transit agencies and law enforcement partners.

"The Port Authority pulled over each vehicle, issued a summons and impounded the vehicle or removed its plate and had it towed at the owner’s expense if the registration was suspended due to non-payment of tolls or was otherwise unregistered," said officials.

Drivers who tamper with their license plates to make it harder to read, or place a cover over their plate are subject to be stopped and issued a summons for an obstructed license plate, the Authority added. This carries a fine of between $50 and $300, as well as possible criminal penalties.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton urged motorists to sign up for E-ZPass for substantial discounts.

“Evasion is not the answer. Failure to pay your tolls and incurring penalties is far more expensive than paying tolls when they are due,” he said.