Port Authority of NY & NJ intensified toll cheat crackdown in 2024 with more than 7,000 toll evasion-related summons issued

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that its aggressive effort to crack down on toll evaders yielded record results in 2024, including more than 7,000 summonses issued across its six bridges and tunnels, which was a jump of 27 percent from 2023.

The agency’s bolstered efforts resulted in 7,543 toll evasion-related summonses issued in 2024. More than three-quarters of those summonses were for unclear/missing license plates. Other citations were issued for suspended registration, fictitious plates, and toll evasion. Combined with summonses issued for speeding and other offenses, the Port Authority issued nearly 17,000 summonses during toll enforcement operations in 2024.

The agency also recovered $18 million in unpaid tolls and administrative fees in 2024, while impounding 850 vehicles due to suspended registrations. Port Authority police officers made 90 toll evasion-related arrests in 2024 for charges including theft of services and fictitious plates. Officers made 106 other arrests during toll enforcement operations for outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles, and other charges.

“This unprecedented total of more than 7,000 summonses in 2024 is due in large part to the tireless work of our law enforcement along with the advanced technologies and novel strategies we’ve implemented to make sure everyone is paying their fair share on our roads,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Anyone thinking about ignoring their toll bill or tacking on a fake license plate should know that our officers are ready to hold you accountable.”

“Toll evaders are not only breaking the law by avoiding their legal obligations on our roads, but they’re depriving our infrastructure of much-needed funds for maintenance and upgrades,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “With this record number of summonses, we’re sending an unmistakable signal that toll enforcement is a top priority, and drivers who don’t obey the law will face consequences.”

“Surpassing 7,000 summonses issued in 2024 is a credit to the men and women of the Port Authority Police Department, and their relentless pursuit of justice and equity on our roads,” said Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar. “To any toll scofflaws who think they can get away without any consequences, remember that your vehicle will end up at our impound lot. We will catch you, and you will pay.”

The Port Authority has invested in advanced technology to identify, track and intercept persistent toll violators. This includes license plate readers at its vehicular crossings installed in cooperation with regional law enforcement partners.

Motorists who repeatedly do not pay their bills on time may be subject to having their vehicles’ registrations suspended and their vehicles towed and impounded by law enforcement. Motorists who tamper or otherwise obscure their license plates, or place a cover over them, are subject to being stopped and summonsed, which carries stiff fines and possible criminal penalties. Additionally, repeat offenders also may be subject to civil litigation for toll recovery.