Bill would create stiffer penalties for drivers who don’t pay Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls

Lawmakers will introduce new legislation that would significantly increase penalties for toll scofflaws on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

On March 19, 2026, State Senators Kim Ward and Judy Ward announced a bill to deter repeat toll evaders on the Pennsylvania Turnpike by introducing increased penalties.

The bill would create a three-tier penalty structure for repeat toll offenders. Specifically, the bill 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.

Lawmakers say increased penalties are needed because drivers have racked up $200 million in uncollected tolls owed to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC).

The bill will also include a measure to improve delivery methods to ensure drivers receive toll obligation notices in a timely manner.

“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 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 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 Judy Ward. “This legislation equips the Turnpike Commission with modern enforcement tools to hold repeat offenders accountable and recover millions in unpaid tolls.”