What Happens If You Ignore A Toll Bridge In New Jersey?

Toll bridges are quite common in New Jersey, and it might seem tempting to simply ignore them. But what happens if you don’t pay? Can the traffic authorities track you down and give you a ticket? Perhaps more importantly, is it possible to fight tickets or fines for not paying a toll? This could be easier than you think, and you can discuss the next steps alongside a traffic attorney in New Jersey.

How New Jersey Drivers Try to Avoid Tolls 

For many years now, drivers in New Jersey have attempted all kinds of strategies to “beat” tolls on bridges. The current system of “cashless tolling” uses cameras that automatically read either an E-ZPass tag or the vehicle license plate. If a driver does not have an E-ZPass, they still have to pay the toll. Instead of an automatic transaction with the E-ZPass account, the driver receives a toll bill in the mail.

Drivers generally use two different methods to avoid these toll bills. Either they obscure their license plates so that the cameras cannot read them, or they use fraudulent plates. There are numerous consequences associated with these strategies. One specific charge is using a fictitious license plate, which could result in a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

Merely obstructing your license plate could also lead to a $100 fine and a period of incarceration. These consequences become more serious for repeat offenders. Some states have cracked down on so-called “license plate flippers,” which are devices that can conceal plates with the push of a button. New Jersey could soon follow, and it may eventually be illegal to simply own these devices.

Transparent license plate covers are also rumored to “trick” cameras, although this is largely a myth. Another method involves putting LED lights on the license, which some say will “blow out” the image on a camera. However, all of these methods could lead to severe consequences. Even if you’re simply trying to save money on the road, others conceal their license plates in order to commit genuine crimes.

Hundreds of Drivers Receive Tickets at Outerbridge Crossing 

Hundreds of drivers received tickets when police randomly targeted “persistent toll violators” on the Outerbridge Crossing. Some of these people had their vehicles impounded. 568 summonses were issued, and six people were arrested. The drivers who were issued summonses owed almost $450,000 in unpaid fees and tolls. A representative of the Port Authority implied that it is not uncommon for a single individual to owe hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid tolls.

Can a Bergen County Traffic Attorney Help Me With Toll Bridge Fines? 

A New City criminal defense attorney may be able to assist with issues related to toll bridges in New Jersey. Fighting these fines and tickets may be easier than you realize, and you can strive for positive results alongside Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law. Reach out today, schedule a consultation, and learn more about the next steps.

Sources: 

panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/en/cashless-tolling—b-t.html#:~:text=Customers%20must%20pay%20the%20toll,%2450%20for%20each%20unpaid%20toll.

njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/Documents/License-Plate-Guidance-1-28-22.pdf

nj.com/news/2024/10/police-write-hundreds-of-tickets-impound-30-cars-during-crackdown-at-nj-bridge.html