HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, today announced the introduction of legislation to strengthen penalties for repeat toll evaders on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, targeting individuals who accumulate thousands of dollars in unpaid tolls at the expense of taxpayers and responsible drivers.
“The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a critical part of our Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure system, and the revenue generated through the automation of toll services is one way to maintain it,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. “While the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission collects more than 90% of its tolls, recent data shows that more than $200 million went unpaid which means taxpayers are footing the bill. This legislation aims to crack down on egregious offenders that racket up thousands in unpaid tolls to ensure that honest toll payers and taxpayers are not burdened with the fiduciary responsibility for frequent toll evaders.”
The multi-faceted proposal would create a three-tier penalty structure aimed at deterring chronic offenders who intentionally avoid paying tolls while continuing to use the state’s 565-mile toll road network.
“The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of our Commonwealth’s most important transportation assets, but persistent toll evasion undermines its financial stability and shifts costs onto law-abiding motorists,” said Sen. Judy Ward. “This legislation equips the Turnpike Commission with modern enforcement tools to hold repeat offenders accountable and recover millions in unpaid tolls.”
The legislation would:
- Establish a criminal trespassing offense for individuals who willfully operate a vehicle on the turnpike while under active suspension for unpaid toll violations.
- Create a theft of toll road services offense for repeat offenders who continue using the system while suspended for prior toll-related violations.
- Institute a serious fare evasion offense, punishable up to a felony of the third degree, for individuals who deliberately accrue more than $10,000 in unpaid tolls.
Under current law, vehicle registration may be suspended once unpaid tolls reach $250. However, lawmakers say repeat violators continue to exploit the system — particularly under electronic tolling and open road tolling operations — resulting in more than $200 million in uncollected tolls.
The bill would also require the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to submit an annual report detailing trends in toll enforcement, collection efforts and the number of vehicles that have been hit with additional enforcement actions due to continuing to drive with a registration suspended for outstanding toll obligations.
In addition, the legislation seeks to improve invoice delivery and communication methods, including expanded use of email and expedited mail services, to ensure drivers receive timely notice of toll obligations.
The senators emphasized that the Pennsylvania Turnpike remains a vital roadway for family travel and economic development and that safeguarding its financial sustainability is essential to controlling long-term costs.
The legislation is expected to be introduced in the near future.
CONTACTS:
Nathan Akers (Sen. Judy Ward) – 717-787-5490
Erica Clayton Wright (Sen. Kim Ward) – 717-787-6063