State Senator Calls For Tougher Penalties For Toll Cheats

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Toll cheats may be in for a rougher ride if one New York state senator has his way.

State Senator David Carlucci wants to make it easier for the Department of Motor Vehicles to block registration renewals of drivers convicted of cheating tolls.

Carlucci cites a study that found $7 million in uncollected tolls over a four year period at the Tappan Zee Bridge alone. The new bridge will host cashless tolls. Carlucci wants the state to do more than file lawsuits and send angry letters to toll cheats.

"We have to do everything possible, overturn every stone, to find ways to make sure everyone is paying their fair share," Carlucci told WCBS 880's Paul Murnane.

Carlucci added cheating on paying tolls is far from a victimless crime.

"We have to make sure that those fines that actually are received are going to the authority that's collecting the tolls so that we can keep those tolls down for everyone that's legally paying those tolls," he said.

Carlucci's proposal would also outlaw devices used to conceal plates from toll plaza cameras.

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