Signs on the electronic toll booths indicate to motorists entering the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Gibsonia, Allegheny County, to keep moving and the methods being used to collect tolls. Turnpike fees will be hiked by 5% and a new law permits suspending motor-vehicle registrations of drivers with four or more overdue tolls. Associated Press file photo

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will implement a 5% toll increase starting at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8.

Along with the increase, Turnpike officials reminded drivers Tuesday of a new law that will suspend motor-vehicle registrations of owners with four or more overdue Toll By Plate invoices or $250 or more in unpaid tolls or outstanding toll invoices.

Act 112 — a measure signed into law on Nov. 3, 2022 — went into effect at the start of the new year. It enables the Turnpike to work with state Department of Transportation to suspend registrations at a lower threshold.

Before Act 112, registration suspensions required six past-due toll invoices or $500 or more in unpaid tolls.

“This law strengthens our efforts to hold violators accountable for failure to pay,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “By far, most travelers do the right thing and pay their fair share. If you’re someone who believes there are no consequences for toll theft, we want you to know that you’re mistaken.”

If convicted, penalties for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration could include a mandatory, three-month driver’s license suspension, fines up to $500 plus court fees, auto-insurance policy cancellations and higher premiums as well as a record of the violation on the owner’s driver history.

Increase in tolls comes from an Aug. 2 decision by the commission. It affects both E-ZPass and Toll By Plate customers, but E-ZPass drivers will still have the lowest rates, according to the news release.

Using an E-ZPass will save drivers nearly 60% versus Toll By Plate, officials said.