Costly Mistakes For Some Drivers On PA Turnpike Without E-ZPass
By David Madden
NEW JERSEY (CBS) -- You're always told to pay attention when driving, but how many of us really do that? For people who do not have E-ZPass, inattentiveness can prove expensive, at least on one major toll road around here.
Case in point, more than 4 thousand people without a transponder have used a new E-ZPass only exit that just opened in the Poconos. It's exit 84 along the northeast extension, an alternative to the Jim Thorpe exit. Violators received a 64 dollar notice in the mail.
Closer to home, there are 3 of those so-called "slip ramps" in the suburbs. Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says 80 percent of those who use the road around have E-ZPass. But for those who don't, many offer a technological excuse.
"The GPS devices and smartphones and maps are getting them off at these interchanges because the GPS device doesn't necessarily know whether or not you have an E-ZPass,"DeFebo says. There are clear signs posted well before each exit making it clear the ramp is meant for E-ZPass tag holders only.
The cost? A 25 dollar fee plus the highest toll on that exit. "You're responsible to know what the difference between "E-ZPass tag holders only" and "E-ZPass and cash"", says DeFebo. " That's part of our responsibility as motorists. We have to be able to distinguish those issues."
But it's not as if the Turnpike Authority is not forgiving. A violation notice comes with an appeals procedure. DeFebo suggests, if you made an honest mistake, that you take advantage of it by filing an appeal.
If you have the toll ticket you used to get on the turnpike, you should include it with the paperwork. In most cases, not only will be administrative fee be waived but you'll only be charged for the normal toll of your ride.