MTA Toll Penalties: Legal Solutions for Individuals and Businesses in New York

MTA toll penalties legal help

MTA and other Toll Penalties: Legal Solutions for Individuals and Businesses in New York

Are unpaid MTA tolls or other Tolls causing financial stress?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) imposes significant fees on unpaid tolls, quickly escalating from minor charges to substantial penalties. For individuals and businesses in New York, these penalties can lead to severe financial consequences if left unresolved.

Our law firm assists in helping clients navigate the complexities of MTA toll violations and finding the best solutions to mitigate these penalties. Whether you’re an individual driver or a business owner managing fleet expenses, we provide expert legal assistance tailored to your needs.


Understanding MTA Toll Penalties

  • Fee Structure:
    • $5 late fee after 30 days of non-payment.
    • $50 per unpaid toll after 60 days.
    • Additional penalties for prolonged non-compliance.

These fees are categorized as administrative penalties rather than interest, exempting them from New York’s usury laws. However, their rapid accumulation can be financially overwhelming.


Prior legal challenges to MTA Fees

Prior Case Law is currently NOT favorable to drivers facing this kind of debt:
Recent rulings affirm the MTA’s authority to levy substantial penalties:

  1. Farina v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 409 F. Supp. 3d 173 (S.D.N.Y. 2019)
    • Outcome: Penalties upheld as proportionate and lawful.
  2. Reese v. Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, 60 F.4th 63 (2d Cir. 2023)
    • Outcome: Fines deemed consistent with traffic violation penalties, emphasizing deterrence.

How We Can Help

  • Comprehensive Legal Analysis: Review your toll violation history and assess the potential for reductions.
  • Representation in Negotiations: Negotiate with MTA representatives to resolve the matter.
  • Bankruptcy Options: Discuss whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the right path for addressing significant debt.

Why Choose Us?

Our experienced New York lawyers understand the complexities of toll violations and the legal strategies to address them. We provide personalized guidance to protect your financial future. Facing high MTA toll penalties? Don’t let these fees derail your finances.


Resolve Your Toll Debt – Professional Assistance Starts Here.

Do you want clear, expert guidance to deal with toll-related debts and avoid costly penalties?

Our paid consultation gives you exactly that—a roadmap to reduce or resolve your toll issues efficiently and professionally.

What You Need to Know:

  1. Consultation Fee: $300 (flat, non-refundable)
    • This fee covers our time and expertise to assess your situation and develop an action plan.
  2. What You Will Receive:
    • Professional Review of your debt.
    • A custom strategy to negotiate reductions, avoid escalating penalties, and save you time.
  3. No Predictions, Only Expertise:
    • We do not make guarantees on specific reductions before assessing your case.
    • Toll agencies decide outcomes; we guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

What We Do NOT Offer:

  • Free advice of any kind.
  • Quotes for entire matters without an initial consultation.

Our services are for those serious about resolving toll debt through professional, actionable guidance.


Why Pay for the Consultation?
Time spent trying to solve toll debt issues alone can result in:

  • Increased penalties and interest.
  • Lost opportunities to negotiate effectively.
  • Stress and hours wasted dealing with toll agencies.

The $300 consultation provides clarity, saves you time, and avoids costly mistakes.

Act Now to Protect Your Rights!

Request our FREE questionnaire to help pinpoint the issues.

CLICK HERE to self-book a consultation.


Below is list of some New York toll-collecting entities located near Manhattan.

Let us know which toll(s) apply to your toll debt situation.

  1. MTA Bridges and Tunnels (Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority – TBTA)
    • Responsible for many toll crossings in New York City, including:
      • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
      • Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Bridge (formerly Triborough Bridge)
      • Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
      • Throgs Neck Bridge
      • Henry Hudson Bridge
      • Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge
      • Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge
  2. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)
    • Manages major Hudson River crossings between New York and New Jersey, including:
      • George Washington Bridge
      • Lincoln Tunnel
      • Holland Tunnel
      • Goethals Bridge
      • Outerbridge Crossing
      • Bayonne Bridge
  3. New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA)
    • Manages toll collection on sections of the New York State Thruway and related infrastructure, including:
      • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (Tappan Zee Bridge)
  4. New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA)
    • Collects tolls for Hudson River crossings further north of New York City, including:
      • Bear Mountain Bridge
      • Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
      • Mid-Hudson Bridge
      • Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge
  5. Hudson River Park Trust / Battery Park City Authority
    • Includes minor toll points like Battery Park City Garage and certain access fees.
  6. E-ZPass and Private Road Operators
    • E-ZPass is used across all these systems, and there are minor toll points on privately managed facilities like the Henry Hudson Parkway and certain tunnels and expressways.
    • E-ZPass is used across all these systems, and there are minor toll points on privately managed facilities like the Henry Hudson Parkway and certain tunnels and expressways.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) continues to struggle with financial inefficiencies, and a recent decision highlights these ongoing issues. Reports indicate that the MTA loses nearly $1 billion annually due to unpaid tolls and transit fares, primarily due to a lack of enforcement. Rather than allocating resources to increase MTA police presence or improve enforcement measures, the agency recently spent $1 million on a study examining why individuals fail to pay their fares. This raises a fundamental question: Are individuals simply taking advantage of a system that lacks the necessary oversight and enforcement mechanisms? Given these persistent financial concerns, there have been calls for the state to establish a financial control board to oversee MTA expenditures and ensure funds are used more effectively. Meanwhile, elected officials continue to propose additional taxes, tolls, and congestion pricing measures, even as a significant portion of transit revenue remains uncollected. The issue is clear—fare evasion persists because there are minimal consequences. Strengthening enforcement efforts could be a more effective approach than conducting costly studies on well-documented problems. 


We understand that dealing with toll violations and enforcement actions can be overwhelming, which is why we offer professional legal consultations to provide tailored advice and solutions. Our firm receives a high volume of inquiries, and while we value every potential client, legal guidance requires a thorough review of the facts and application of the law to your specific situation. To ensure fairness to all clients and maintain the quality of service we provide, we do not offer free legal advice via email or phone. For a detailed legal assessment and strategy, a consultation is required. The consultation fee is $300, which covers a full discussion of your case, a review of relevant documentation, and clear guidance on the best path forward. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to assisting you.


CLICK HERE to self-book a consultation.

Request our FREE questionnaire to help pinpoint the issues / E-ZPass debt defense New York