Toll Payer Protection Act Passes Full Legislature

(Albany, NY) -  Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti’s (D-Greenburgh/Mt. Pleasant) “Toll Payer Protection Act” (S.6113-A /A.7587-A) has passed the full legislature.  Today the bill cleared the Senate with bipartisan support in a vote of 61-1.

Now the bill to improve the cashless tolling system is headed to the Governor’s desk. In December of last year, Governor Cuomo vetoed the legislation claiming it would make fines insignificant and abolish toll payer equity.

"When the State is racking up more in fines than actual toll bills, it’s hard to understand how this system is fair or equitable for toll payers,” said Senator David Carlucci. “The first time a driver finds out about a toll bill should not be once it's in collections. Assemblyman Abinanti and I have reworked the bill significantly and urge the Governor to sign this version because our current tolling system is not working for the State or drivers." 

  “The Assembly and Senate realize the expanding cashless tolling system in New York State needs reform,” said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti. “The Toll Payer Protection Act will protect motorists from an unfair system and ban the current unconscionable practices of imposing exorbitant fines and penalties.”

The Toll Payer Protection Act requires toll bills be sent to drivers within 30 days, or a driver is not liable for the bill. The bill eliminates excessive fines and allows drivers to sign up for text or email alerts notifying them of outstanding bills. Additionally, consumers have the right to dispute fees online and set up a monthly payment plan. Further, a driver’s registration cannot be suspended due to unpaid toll bills.

The Toll Payer Protection Act was originally introduced by Carlucci and Abinanti after they heard from many drivers going over the Tappan Zee Bridge who had racked up thousands of dollars in toll bills due to unfair penalties and fees. Sometimes unpaid toll bills were sent to collections before drivers even knew about them. Some drivers were even left on the side of the road after their cars were seized due to a suspended registration because of unpaid toll bills.

In 2018, about 281,000 people received relief through the State’s Amnesty Program, which was offered to drivers who incurred toll bills going over the Tappan Zee Bridge. Due to a problematic system, the State had to waive more than $1.4 million in toll violations. Despite billing problems continuing on other major crossings, Carlucci and Abinaniti said the State has done little to improve the system or offer relief to drivers.