More than 200 drivers stopped during Pennsylvania Turnpike toll evasion crackdown

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) released results from the agency’s first ever toll enforcement initiative carried out in partnership with Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

On July 16, PA Turnpike shared results from a monthlong operation carried out in April targeting drivers with unpaid tolls as well as aggressive driving behaviors.

Officials said that more than 200 traffic stops were performed, “including a single, record-setting day of 23 stops.”

Unpaid tolls collected as part of the “record-setting day” topped out at over $48,000, “with the opportunity to collect more than $130,000 in past-due toll balances,” PA Turnpike said.

Officials said that over 90% of the traffic stops resulted in drivers taking action to pay toll balances or comply with regulations.

Also notable, officials said, was a traffic stop on a different day on a driver owing more than $100,000 in unpaid tolls.

PA Turnpike plans to continue partnering with PSP for future toll enforcement campaigns.

Officials reminded Turnpike customers that drivers who accrue $250 in unpaid tolls and fees are referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for registration suspension. 

“As we refine and enhance future enforcement efforts, drivers who continue to ignore invoices will face consequences,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “While the majority of our 550,000 daily customers follow the law and pay their tolls on time, we will continue to target evaders and make measurable progress on claiming what we’re owed.”

“The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission uses all tools available to enhance toll collections, with the understanding that meaningful results are often achieved through strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies,” said PA Turnpike COO Craig Shuey. “We appreciate our partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and are grateful for their willingness to prioritize this operation.”