New Jersey Introduces Comprehensive Toll Violation Enforcement Bill
TRENTON, NJ – A significant bill has been introduced in New Jersey to empower the Department of Transportation with enhanced authority to monitor, adjudicate, and enforce motor vehicle toll collections. This bill encompasses tolls imposed by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the Burlington County Bridge Commission, and other interstate tolling entities engaged in reciprocity agreements with New Jersey.
The proposed system includes provisions for notifying violators, offering an opportunity to be heard and appeal, and, crucially, the suspension of motor vehicle registrations for significant toll violations. This move aims to bolster toll compliance across the state.
Under the bill, the Department of Transportation may direct the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to suspend the registration of vehicles with unpaid tolls and fees totaling $500 or more over three years, or with six or more unpaid toll violations, including at least one post-bill violation. The suspension remains in effect until all dues are cleared, dismissed, reversed on appeal, stayed, or until a payment agreement is established and adhered to.
Before suspending a registration, the department must provide written notice to the owner, ensuring due process and appeal rights. This procedure ensures the suspension is not based on erroneous claims. If toll disputes are unresolved or unpaid, the department has the authority to direct suspension.
Additionally, the department can suspend registrations for out-of-state toll violations under reciprocal agreements. These agreements also enable the implementation of a system for enforcing unpaid toll collections from out-of-state or interstate entities.
An important aspect of the bill is the introduction of an amnesty program. It offers a 25% reduction on unpaid tolls exceeding $500 if the remaining amount is paid in full. This program is available for a limited period of 180 days post-bill’s effective date.
The bill stipulates that tolls and fees collected are to be directly allocated to the respective tolling entities, ensuring that these funds do not become part of the General Fund. It also allows for the negotiation of interagency agreements to fund the administrative costs of enforcing toll collections.
Lastly, the bill mandates the Department of Transportation, along with the New Jersey tolling entities and the Motor Vehicle Commission, to adopt administrative orders, subject to public comment, to effectively implement and regulate these new measures.