MTA seizes 44 cars tied to $1 million in unpaid tolls and fines in crackdown on drivers crossing Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
NEW YORK -- The MTA's latest crackdown on drivers evading tolls resulted in seizing dozens of cars tied to unpaid tolls and fines totaling nearly $1 million.
The enforcement blitz targeted drivers crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge over the last four days, the MTA said Friday.
MTA Bridge and Tunnel officers seized 44 cars registered to persistent toll violators, including those who don't pay fines, obstruct their license plates or use fake plates.
"These scofflaws accounted for nearly $1 million of unpaid tolls and violation fees," said MTA Chair Janno Lieber.
So far in 2023, MTA Bridge and Tunnel officers have intercepted 2,705 vehicles, a 50% increase from 2022.
Some of the violators include drivers who haven't paid toll fines for months or even years, officials said. One, whose Range Rover was seized, failed to pay $52,000.
The MTA said these enforcement efforts are critical for recouping toll revenue.
"We have multiple systems at the bridge, either mobile or fixed license plate readers ... Within milliseconds they read the plate, transmit it to an enforcement vehicle, and if that enforcement vehicle is safely able to stop that and interdict the car, we do so," said Richard Hildebrand, vice president and chief of operations for MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
Officials warned drivers not to obstruct their license plates in any way that prevents toll cameras from getting a clear picture.
"Our message today is simple. If you cover your license plate, even with a clear case, or use fraudulent plates ... you will pay the price," said Lieber. "If you're a repeat offender, your car is going to be seized, and you could get arrested if you have forged plates."
"You can't put anything on your plate, not a piece of Scotch tape, not a piece of clear Saran wrap. Any blockage of your plate in New York state at any point is illegal, front or back," said Hildebrand.
The MTA said increased enforcement is working and the agency recovered more than 98% of tolls owed by repeat offenders.
Plus, officials anticipate more drivers may be tempted to violate tolls with congestion pricing coming. They're trying to get ahead by warning drivers.
Once a driver pays fines, their vehicle can be reregistered and returned to them, but the timeframe may depend on them and the tow company.
