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Over the first six months of 2024, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued summonses and made arrests at a record clip. The activity comes amid an effort to turn up the heat on toll cheats.

That work has included intensified patrols and multi-agency efforts to apprehend drivers who skip out on paying their tolls. According to the Port Authority Police Department, from Jan. 1 – June 30:

• A total 4,836 summonses were issued for toll-related violations — a 55% increase over the same period in 2023;
• 3,940 citations were issued for obstructed, missing/or fictitious license plates; and
• 63 individuals were arrested for theft of service and fictitious license plates — a 54% increase over the same period in 2023.

“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.

“Any driver under the illusion that they can evade payment at our crossings should heed this warning: Detection is inevitable, and consequences are assured,” said Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar.

Repeat offenders

The Port Authority says it is focused on “egregious repeat offenders.” These drivers often owe totals in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Officials warn that repeat toll evaders may be subject to vehicle registration suspensions and having their vehicles towed and impounded by PAPD – at the owners’ expense, as well as potential civil litigation for toll recovery.

“Toll cheats, beware: we’re cracking down with summonses and arrests up more than 50% since last year,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “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.”

“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,” said Cetnar.

In case you missed it:

Just weeks ahead of a June 30 start date, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul indefinitely postponed implementation of the controversial congestion pricing plan. Click here to read more.