Legislation co-sponsored by Addabbo to establish cashless tolling amnesty program and limit late fees approved by State Senate

The New York State Senate recently approved legislation (S.7823) co-sponsored by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. to address deficiencies in New York State’s cashless tolling system and protect motorists from exorbitant late fees. The bill would establish an amnesty program, require greater public disclosure of the fee waiver associated with the cashless tolling system, and place limits on late fees charged to drivers.

“Cashless tolling has significant positive aspects, since it decreases traffic congestion and air pollution from idling cars,” said Addabbo. “However, many drivers are experiencing late or missing toll statements that can lead to high fees and vehicle registration suspensions, or are receiving bills that are simply inaccurate. There are clearly serious defects in the existing cashless tolling system that need to be addressed.”

Under cashless tolling, which is in effect on many bridges, roads and tunnels in Queens and around the state, drivers with EZPass continue to have their tolls automatically deducted from their accounts and receive statements for their trips. Drivers without EZPass, however, have a photograph taken of their license plates when they pass through the facilities, and a bill is later mailed to them at the postal address on file with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Sometimes bills arrive late, or not at all, which can leave consumers unwittingly facing large fines for non-payment, as well as motor vehicle registration suspensions.

“To address this issue, the legislation I am co-sponsoring would create a six-month amnesty program to aid motorists unwittingly caught up in a confusing new toll system,” said Addabbo, noting that the prime bill sponsor is fellow Queens Senator Leroy Comrie. “The proposal would also cap fees imposed on the original toll charges, and require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to post information about the fee waiver policy on its website.”

Under the legislation, late fees charged to motorists cannot be more than double the original toll on charges incurred within 90 days. For bills unpaid for 91 to 180 days, the fees may be only a maximum of three times the original cashless tolling charge. Right now, fees for overdue bills may reach $100 or more on relatively small toll charges.

Now that the bill has been approved by the State Senate, it is under review by the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. In that house of the Legislature, the bill is sponsored by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer-Amato. “I know Stacey and her office have been working very diligently on this issue for constituents.” Addabbo noted.