Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Kanitra is pushing a bipartisan plan to overhaul the EZ Pass system, targeting what he calls “excessive” fines and poor customer service while proposing a joint New York–New Jersey task force to reduce costs.
Kanitra announced the proposal alongside New York State Sen. Michelle Martinez at Pier 45 in Manhattan, unveiling the “End the Toll Trap Act” after what he described as nine months of research into how toll violations are handled across both states.
Plan targets fines, fees, and system costs
At the center of the proposal is a push to scale back administrative penalties that can far exceed the original toll.
The end of insanely excessive EZ Pass fines! Clarity about why it costs so much to run the damn system in the first place! Fairness and transparency for the millions of New Jerseyans and New Yorkers getting abused by this bureaucratic nightmare!
— Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (@VoteKanitra) April 20, 2026
The other week, I stood on Pier… pic. /urWYwRlq1M
“Administrative fees are applied fairly, proportionally, and primarily to intentional violators, not to someone who makes an occasional mistake,” Kanitra said during the announcement.
The plan also calls for the creation of a New York and New Jersey Toll and Fee Reduction Task Force, which would bring together officials from both states to review pricing, enforcement, and system operations.
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Key Points
• NJ lawmaker proposes “End the Toll Trap Act” to reduce EZ Pass fines
• Bipartisan NY-NJ task force would review toll system and costs
• Plan follows months of research into complaints from drivers
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Drivers cite high fines and frustration
Kanitra’s proposal comes amid growing complaints from drivers who say EZ Pass violations can result in penalties many times higher than the original toll.
He also criticized the system’s customer service, saying users often struggle to resolve disputes.
“Why are fines so much excessively higher than the toll that was violated?” Kanitra said in his public remarks, framing the issue as one affecting “millions” of drivers in both states.
Focus on modernization and technology
Another major piece of the proposal involves modernizing how tolls are administered.
Kanitra questioned why the system remains costly to operate, suggesting that newer technology—such as automated license plate readers and database integration—could streamline enforcement and reduce expenses.
The proposed task force would examine whether those types of upgrades could lower operating costs and improve accuracy.
Bipartisan, cross-state effort
The announcement emphasized cooperation between New Jersey and New York, reflecting how EZ Pass systems and toll enforcement often overlap for commuters crossing state lines.
“This issue doesn’t stop at the Hudson River… and neither should the solution,” Kanitra said.
The legislation is expected to be introduced in both state legislatures, though details on timelines and support from leadership have not yet been released.
What happens next
Kanitra said he is seeking support from fellow lawmakers in New Jersey while coordinating with partners in New York to move the proposal forward.
No hearings or votes have been scheduled yet, and the task force would need legislative approval before being formally established.
For now, the proposal marks an early step toward potential reforms, with drivers likely to watch closely for changes to fines and enforcement practices in the months ahead.
