Thruway Cashless Toll Drivers Taking Advantage Of Amnesty Program

TARRYTOWN, NY — Motorists are taking advantage of the cashless toll amnesty program that recently went into effect, the state Thruway Authority said. The program began Monday, Jan. 22 with people able to enter their license plate and other information to find out if they had open violations.

Thruway Authority Acting Director Matthew Driscoll said that more than 1,000 customers paid $49,000 in tolls through 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, the Journal News said.

That took care of about 9,700 toll violations from the cashless system.

The Thruway Authority is owed about $8 million in unpaid tolls by drivers crossing the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge without E-ZPass.

With the amnesty program, a dedicated webpage was set up to allow customers to enter their license plate, state and ZIP Code to determine how much they owe in tolls.

SEE ALSO: Thruway Cashless Toll System: Details Released On Amnesty

People can pay the tolls with a credit card or print a coupon to mail to the Thruway Authority with a check or money order for tolls they owe by Feb. 26.

Once the customer’s tolls have been paid in full, the Thruway Authority will waive any fines and fees.

Amnesty is available to Tolls By Mail customers with passenger vehicles who have open violations issued between April 24, 2016, through Jan. 31, 2018. Customers who have already been referred to a collection agency or who have had their registrations suspended can take advantage of the amnesty program.

Their entire outstanding toll balance must be paid by Feb. 26, 2018, in order to receive amnesty on open violations.

The Thruway Authority also is installing new signs that outline payment options for Tolls By Mail and will be clarifying language on bills to emphasize ways to avoid fines.

To encourage more motorists to sign up for an E-ZPass, about 780 retailers across the state will be selling E-ZPass On-the-Go. If it’s registered between Feb. 1 and Feb 26 — and the customer takes 10 trips on the state Thruway in six months, $10 will be credited to their account.

Photo credit: Thruway Authority.