TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Senate has approved a bill co-sponsored by Senator James Beach and Senator Brian Stack, addressing the issue of unpaid tolls by New Jersey drivers in other states. The bill, S-1472, aims to establish reciprocal agreements for toll violation enforcement with toll authorities in neighboring states.
Senator Beach (Camden/Burlington) highlighted the significant revenue loss, over $117 million in 2022, due to uncollected tolls. The proposed legislation seeks to recover these funds for New Jersey and assist other states in similar efforts.
S-1472 would enable New Jersey’s tolling authorities, or the Department of Transportation on their behalf, to form reciprocity agreements with out-of-state entities. Senator Stack (D-Hudson) noted that this would facilitate the collection of toll fees and penalties from vehicles registered in states like New York, Pennsylvania, or Delaware.
These agreements would allow drivers to receive written notices of toll violations and appeal them remotely, without appearing in the state of the violation. They could contest tolls via mail, phone, or electronically, or at their local MVC.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously with a 33-0 vote and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for final approval.