Drivers and their vehicles can now be banned from the New York state Thruway if tolls are not paid. WTEN TV in Albany reports a new regulation adopted by the state Thruway Authority allows the agency to “exclude” people from driving on the state’s 570-mile Thruway system, temporarily or permanently, if tolls are not paid. The measure aims to recoup an estimated $40 million in unpaid tolls from 2023.

The Albany Times Union reports Frank Hoare, executive director of the Thruway Authority, said the biggest issue is with out-of-state trucking companies. One company from Montreal racked up at least $500,000 in unpaid tolls over the past few years, he said.

According to the Times Union, the new rule will be enforced primarily by state troopers from State Police Troop T, which patrols the interstate highway. Technology, such as license plate scanners, will help identify banned vehicles.

On top of the ban, the Department of Motor Vehicles website says drivers’ registrations will be suspended for failing to pay tolls, fees, or other charges related to three or more violations within a five-year period, or tolls, fees, or charges of $200 or more within a five-year period. Driving with suspended registration is a misdemeanor, which may result in a fine, imprisonment, or both; vehicles can also be impounded if pulled over.

A 2023 state audit found New York was failing to collect hundreds of millions in unpaid tolls after switching to a cashless tolling system. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said almost half of toll evaders are out-of-state drivers who don’t have a New York E-Z Pass and are billed for tolls by mail. New Jersey has since entered into a reciprocity agreement to help with its drivers’ unpaid tolls, according to the Times Union.

Drivers should be aware that it is illegal to drive with damaged or peeling license plates and it is also illegal to cover plates, even with clear plastic.

The Thruway Authority increased tolls by 5% last year and will raise prices again in January 2027. Tolls and related fees make up 90% of its revenue, which is used to repair and maintain the interstate highway that stretches from Western New York to the Massachusetts border and south to New York City.

The Thruway is one of the safest highways in the nation. In 2021, the Thruway-wide fatality rate was 0.21 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. This compares to an index of 1.33 nationwide in 2021 and 1.02 for New York state in 2020.