The state’s suspension of fees, penalties and other actions on unpaid bridge and highway tolls will end March 1, making it time for motorists to start paying as usual.

While a new automated “Good to Go” payment system was being installed last July, the state Department of Transportation provided a grace period for the public to adjust to the changes.  About 90 percent of drivers have been paying their tolls, but those that haven’t will be subject to late fees that have remained unpaid after an initial toll bill was sent when the temporary suspension of fees ends.

People who have an unpaid toll bill will receive a second bill with a $5 reprocessing fee. If the second bill remains unpaid, a $40 civil penalty will be assessed for each unpaid toll. If the civil penalty isn’t resolved, DOT will ask the state licensing department to put a hold on the vehicles of non-payers. Motorists can prevent those actions by paying before penalties return in March, officials said.

DOT wants to collect outstanding tolls to help pay “for important transportation investments,” said Edward Berry, who oversees the state’s tolls. “We want to work with customers to resolve unpaid bills, avoid fees, and help them lower their bills.”

More information is available from DOT at 1-866-936-8246 and mygoodtogo.com.