🙄 TLC-Plated Vehicle Featured On CBS New York Toll Evasion Report
TLC-plated Chevy Suburban, with illegally obstructed license plate, was highlighted in CBS New York report on MTA toll evader crackdown
In a recent CBS New York news report on the MTA seizing vehicles for unpaid tolls and fines, a TLC-plated vehicle was featured. The TLC-plated Chevy Suburban was used an example of a vehicle that had an illegally obstructed license plate.
Obviously, every driver (TLC and non-TLC) should be paying tolls they owe and the MTA has every right to go after toll evaders, especially those who purposefully avoid paying by obstructing their plates or using fake plates.
The only part of the report we thought needed more context was a large figure referenced that represented the unpaid tolls and violations for a certain vehicle (they focused on an impounded Range Rover). As we’ve covered previously, the MTA, plus other toll road owners/operators including the Port Authority of NY & NJ, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, etc., often charge 10x+ violation fees on the underlying toll amount. For example, an $8 toll can often have a $100 violation fee attached to it.
So, while we’re not trying to make an excuse for any driver, when they say a vehicle’s owner owes $50,000+ in MTA tolls and violation fees, the underlying toll amount might be closer to $5,000. Don’t get us wrong, not paying $5,000 worth of tolls is reckless and unacceptable, but the $50,000+ figure is probably mostly violation fees.
In other words, we feel quoting the $50,000+ figure is a disingenuous way to report the underlying toll amount owed.
Whatever the case, make sure you pay your tolls!
As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or by emailing us at info@automarketplace.com.
AutoMarketplace NYC covers the for-hire transportation industry and automotive news. Check out AutoMarketplace on YouTube ▶️
This Suburban driver should not only pay the $50k but he/she/they should also be subjected to sanctions by the TLC for that plate cover and willful violation of tolls. I have nothing but contempt for these cheaters. Throw the book at them!!
The MTA is not playing. They’re seizing scofflaw’s vehicles…
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/tolls-unpaid-mta-e22lqy9h#utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=In-Case-You-Missed-It-Non-Sub&lctg=033e43f438a7499775a79bba05dfb233d83c9aa2c3a7486398e1d594d6914f3b&utm_term=non