Congestion Relief is here

The New York State Budget for Fiscal Year 2020 (enacted in 2019) included the passage of finance bills S1509-C (in the State Senate) and A2005-C (In the State House of Representatives) establishing a new Article 44-C under Title 8 of the NY Vehicle and Traffic Law: the Central Business District Tolling Program, also known as the Traffic Mobility Act.

There were some delays in the actual implementation of this law but the program has officially begun. Now, we’ve already covered how an obscured license plate can lead to a police interaction, and while the toll system within New York City is entirely cashless, that doesn't mean law enforcement isn't maintaining a watchful eye. In fact, there have been concerted efforts to catch toll beaters ever since cashless tolling went into effect on the bridges and tunnels in 2017.

Intentionally obscuring license plate to avoid tolls can result in a fine of up to $500 in accordance with Section 402 subsection 8 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. This includes obstructive coverings, fake plates, and anything preventing a toll camera from capturing a clear image of the license plate. How would they know where to send the fine? Traffic stops aside, it's possible to check a partial plate against the DMV database to match other identifying details such as color, make, and model.

Under Section 127.14 of Title 15 of New York's Codes, Rules, and Regulations (Regulations of the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles) as few as three unpaid toll violations within five years can result in your license being suspended -- and driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor. At the extreme end of the spectrum, transit authorities have even banned drivers from using toll bridges for persistently evading tolls – making each trip a potential trespassing charge.

The bridge and tunnel authorities have their own law enforcement units who work in conjunction with the NYPD and New York State Police. They can impound a vehicle that does not have current insurance, up to date registration, or a properly-licensed driver, resulting in hundreds of dollars in towing fees.

Playing games with tolls is a high-risk gamble. Stay on the right side of the law, keep your license plate visible, and make sure your tolls are paid.