New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08859

Introduced
6/9/25  
Refer
6/9/25  

Caption

Limits fines for the late payment or evasion of tolls charged by a public authority to twenty-five percent of the toll owed.

Impact

The passage of A08859 would represent a notable shift in existing toll regulations within New York State. The legislation is designed to enhance consumer protection by preventing public authorities from imposing disproportionate penalties that can sometimes exceed the original toll amounts. In doing so, it aligns with broader efforts to modernize transportation financing and address the economic concerns faced by frequent toll users. This should encourage fairer practices and potentially increase compliance, as individuals may be less deterred by unreasonable fees and fines.

Summary

Bill A08859 seeks to amend the public authorities law in New York by significantly limiting the administrative fines that can be imposed for the late payment or evasion of tolls charged by public authorities. Specifically, it caps fines at twenty-five percent of the toll owed. This change comes as part of an initiative to make toll payment systems more equitable and to reduce the burden placed on users who may already be experiencing financial challenges. By establishing a clear limit on fees, the bill aims to protect toll users from excessive charges that could arise from financial hardships or inadvertent delays in payment.

Contention

While the bill appears to have strong support for its intent to reform toll collection practices, there are concerns regarding its potential impact on public authorities' revenue. Opponents argue that limiting fees could impair funding for necessary infrastructure maintenance and improvements, as these funds are often derived from such penalties. However, supporters counter that a more fair and transparent system can lead to increased trust and compliance among toll payers, ultimately fostering a sustainable revenue model that doesn't rely heavily on punitive measures.

Companion Bills

NY S07969

Same As Limits fines for the late payment or evasion of tolls charged by a public authority to twenty-five percent of the toll owed.

Previously Filed As

NY S07969

Limits fines for the late payment or evasion of tolls charged by a public authority to twenty-five percent of the toll owed.

NY A09070

Directs the commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the New York state bridge authority, thruway authority, triborough bridge and tunnel authority, metropolitan transportation authority, and port authority of New York and New Jersey, shall conduct a statewide study and review of the tolling authorities' regulations and policies in relation to cashless tolling and tolls by mail collection (Part A); provides that no fine, fee or administrative charge for the late payment of a toll shall exceed ten per centum of the amount of such toll owed or be accessed within one hundred eighty days from the date of the incurred toll (Part B); requires the department of transportation, in consultation and cooperation with the New York state thruway authority, the New York state bridge authority, the metropolitan transportation authority, and the Port authority of New York and New Jersey, maintain a central website with the contact information for each authority's relevant toll payer advocate office and customer service center including phone numbers, email addresses and a website address or hyperlink for each authority's toll payer advocate help request form (Part C); establishes a cashless tolling amnesty program for certain public authorities (Part D).

NY A10104

Requires notices of liability issued for nonpayment of tolls to be uniform in form and content and contain information on monetary penalties, the public authority issuing the notice of liability and the rates, fees, or charges applicable to nonpayment of tolls.

NY S09178

Requires notices of liability issued for nonpayment of tolls to be uniform in form and content and contain information on monetary penalties, the public authority issuing the notice of liability and the rates, fees, or charges applicable to nonpayment of tolls.

NY A10716

Enacts the "End the Toll Trap: Real Relief for Drivers Act" to address excess administrative costs incurred by public authorities for the collection of toll payments and to ensure repeat toll evaders pay such costs; creates the New York and New Jersey toll and fees reduction task force to examine and evaluate the efficacy of current payment processing procedures and systems, and to provide recommendations to increase efficacy and reduce tolls and administrative fees.

NY S09503

Enacts the "End the Toll Trap: Real Relief for Drivers Act" to address excess administrative costs incurred by public authorities for the collection of toll payments and to ensure repeat toll evaders pay such costs; creates the New York and New Jersey toll and fees reduction task force to examine and evaluate the efficacy of current payment processing procedures and systems, and to provide recommendations to increase efficacy and reduce tolls and administrative fees.

NY S04530

Exempts military members based at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York and Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York on active duty who reside in NYC from the payment of E-ZPass tolls associated with the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

NY S08855

Tolls the statute of limitations for endangering the welfare of a child until such child reaches the age of twenty-three.

NY A07984

Tolls the statute of limitations for endangering the welfare of a child until such child reaches the age of twenty-three.

NY S09737

Prohibits rental vehicle companies from imposing any fees, charges or penalties, other than the actual cost of a toll, on an authorized driver for such driver's use of a rental vehicle.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.