the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fort Lee NJ, drivers who think they can skip out on paying tolls at New York and New Jersey crossings might find themselves in more than just traffic jams this summer. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is ramping up efforts to crack down on toll cheats, with a significant increase in summonses and arrests since the beginning of 2024.
On Tuesday, the agency announced that the number of summonses issued by Port Authority police has skyrocketed by 55% compared to the same period last year. Arrests for toll violations have also surged by 54%. The crackdown comes as drivers, including repeat offenders, have collectively owed the agency more than $4.2 million in unpaid tolls.
In the first six months of 2024 alone, Port Authority police issued 4,836 summonses for toll violations, up from 3,103 during the same period in 2023. Most of these violations were for having a missing, obstructed, or fictitious license plate. Additionally, 63 people were arrested for theft of service and using fake plates—a significant increase over last year’s numbers.
“Between targeted patrols, streamlined data collection, and other resources, we’re leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of drivers who think they can cheat the system,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton in a statement. “Over the first six months of the year, thousands found out the hard way just how serious we are about our commitment to equity and fairness for all of our customers.”
The Port Authority is particularly focused on repeat offenders, who cost the agency “hundreds of thousands of dollars.” To avoid penalties such as fines or suspension of vehicle registration, the agency strongly encourages drivers to pay their toll bills on time by signing up for E-ZPass.
“Any driver under the illusion that they can evade payment at our crossings should heed this warning: Detection is inevitable, and consequences are assured,” stated Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar. “As these robust summons and arrest numbers show, we are determined and committed to ensuring drivers are following the law when they use our roadways.”
As summer continues, the Port Authority promises to keep the pressure on toll evaders, ensuring that everyone pays their fair share when using the region’s roadways.
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