Using new “advanced” technology, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey carried out a “coordinated crackdown” on violations ranging from unpaid tolls to obstructed license plates last year.
According to the bi-state agency, in 2022, it worked with regional transit agencies and law enforcement partners to crack down on drivers who evade tolls, particularly those who use forged or obstructed license plates. The effort resulted in the issuance of 4,700 summonses.
The agency said that motorists who tamper with their license plates to make it difficult to read or place a cover over their plate are subject to being stopped and given a summons for an obstructed license plate, which carries a fine of $50 to $300, as well as possible criminal penalties.
The effort took place in the lead up to a new all-cashless toll collection system at its crossings and resulted in the collection of more than $21 million in past due tolls and fees in 2022. The new system was fully implemented at every crossing by Dec. 11, 2022, when the Lincoln Tunnel deactivated its toll booths.
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 Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole, “We need all of our customers to pay their fair share when they use our facilities and strongly urge them to get E-ZPass to make the payment process as seamless as possible.”
The Port Authority is encouraging motorists to sign up for E-ZPass which provides the driver with a savings of more than 20 percent on tolls at the agency’s crossings.