A new Ohio law, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last month, permits the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission to collect toll fees from non-E-ZPass customers who drive through the gateless lanes without paying.
Removing the gates is part of the turnpike’s new toll collection system, which includes open road tolling lanes. Motorists will be able to travel the full length of the Ohio Turnpike non-stop in all E-ZPass lanes at highway speeds. Customers without an E-ZPass will take a ticket and pay using cash or a credit card.
Under Senate Bill 162, the commission will work with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to require vehicle owners to pay their delinquent tolls before they can register their vehicle. The new law also protects customers’ confidential information and establishes an appeals process that is fair and clear to turnpike customers.
When fully implemented the system will process unpaid tolls using license plate lookup. License plates will be photographed and a bill sent to customers who travel through ungated E-ZPass lanes without a valid transponder.
Operation of the new toll system is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
Senate Bill 162, which was sponsored by Senator Bill Reineke, who also serves as a turnpike commission member, passed last month in the Senate and House by votes of 31-0 and 95-1, respectively. Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill into law on December 22, 2021.
