Assemblyman Tom Abinanti Passes “Toll Payer Protection Act”

(Albany, NY) - Yesterday, the New York State Assembly passed the “Toll Payer Protection Act” (A.7587-A/ S.6113-A) sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mt. Pleasant) and Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester). The bill will create a fair cashless toll billing system by reducing excessive fines and ending registration suspensions due to unpaid toll bills.

“Yesterday the Assembly said the cashless tolling system needs repair,” said Assemblyman Abinanti. “The Toll Payer Protection Act will ensure drivers do not fall victim to a system rigged to collect more in penalties and fines than in actual toll bills. Too many responsible motorists are being tormented by an unfair process and it has to change.”

"Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being put into expanding cashless tolling and the system to protect drivers is not in place,” said Senator Carlucci. “The Toll Payer Protection Act will allow drivers to easily dispute a toll violation and require the tolling authorities to be more transparent about the Toll By Mail program. Assemblyman Abinanti worked diligently to pass this bill, and I expect to do the same in the Senate before the end of session."

The Toll Payer Protection Act requires toll bills be sent to drivers within 30 days, or a driver is not liable for the bill. The bill allows drivers to sign up for text or email alerts notifying them of outstanding bills. Additionally, consumers have the right to dispute fees online and set up a monthly payment plan.

With the expansion of cashless tolling throughout the State, and congestion pricing in Manhattan, there is new impetus to push for the legislation to be signed by the Governor.

Abinanti and Carlucci have heard many horror stories from residents about the disastrous cashless tolling system. In some cases, late fees for hundreds of dollars were charged by collections agencies, although the driver was never notified of any outstanding balance. Some families were left thousands of dollars in debt. Others were left on the side of the road after their cars were seized for a registration suspension due to unpaid toll bills.