New Jersey toll authorities would cap some violation fees

The authorities could charge up to $15 for an administrative fee on a toll under $10 and would have to use a proportional sliding scale for tolls of $10 or more. These limits apply to administrative fees for toll violations handled by either the New Jersey Turnpike Authority or the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Each authority would set the sliding scale for tolls of $10 or more.

The authorities could not issue a violation notice or charge an administrative fee when they determine that a vehicle has a qualifying toll account or that an event outside the owner’s control caused the missed payment. These rules apply to vehicles using lanes dedicated to electronic toll collection under either authority. A qualifying account must be connected to a valid payment method and have the vehicle’s accurate, updated plate number. If the toll is charged to that account, the account holder may dispute the charge. The exceptions also apply when a system or billing error, equipment failure, transponder malfunction, or another factor outside the owner’s control caused the alleged failure to pay. An account with an outdated plate may still receive a notice and fee.