The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is welcoming the passage of House Bill 1486 on Thursday, which includes language from former House Bill 2139 that will strengthen ongoing efforts to hold motorists who don't pay their tolls accountable.

The legislation lowers the thresholds to trigger registration suspensions for Pennsylvania vehicle owners with unpaid tolls and fees from $500 to $250.

"The fact is that uncollected tolls are largely due to drivers dodging their responsibilities. These customers receive invoices but simply choose not to pay. This legislation will allow us to better hold accountable those who intentionally cheat the system," said PA Turnpike CEO, Mark Compton.

In addition to lowering the thresholds for registration suspensions, the legislation will also lower the number of unpaid toll by plate invoices or violations from six to four.

The legislation will also extend the statute of limitations for unpaid invoices or violations from three years to five years.

The legislation will take effect 60 days after being signed into law. The turnpike estimates that 25,000 additional vehicle registrations would qualify for suspension due to unpaid invoices.

If convicted, penalties for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration include a mandatory three-month driver's license suspension, fines of up to $500 plus court costs, higher car insurance rates and a record of the violation on the offender's driving history.