The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has significantly increased its efforts to combat toll evasion, issuing a record number of summonses and making numerous arrests in the first half of 2024. According to data from the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD), the total number of summonses issued rose by 55 percent, while arrests increased by 54 percent compared to the same period in 2023.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole stated, "Toll cheats, beware: we’re cracking down with summonses and arrests up more than 50 percent since last year. Thousands of motorists have already found out the hard way that if you try to cheat your way out of paying what you owe, it’s not a question of if we’ll catch you, but when."
Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasized the agency's commitment to fairness: “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. 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.”
Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar added a stern warning: “Any driver under the illusion that they can evade payment at our crossings should heed this warning: Detection is inevitable, and consequences are assured. 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.”
From January 1 through June 30, PAPD officers issued a total of 4,836 summonses for toll-related violations—a significant increase from the 3,103 issued during the same period in 2023. The majority of these citations were for obstructed or fictitious license plates. Additionally, there were 63 arrests for theft of service and fictitious license plates during this period.
The Port Authority is particularly focused on repeat offenders who often owe substantial amounts in unpaid tolls. Such individuals may face vehicle registration suspensions and towing or impoundment at their own expense. They may also be subject to civil litigation for toll recovery.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid administrative fees and registration suspensions by paying their toll bills on time or signing up for E-ZPass. This system allows users to link a credit card or bank account for seamless toll payments and offers savings on toll costs.
