Michigan lawmakers are tightening the screws on drivers who cross the border but leave the bill behind.
Last month, the House Rules Committee approved a bill that would let the state create a toll enforcement program.
Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford, sponsors the bill. HB4809 would require the Michigan Secretary of State to help a private international bridge or tunnel operator collect unpaid tolls. The bill would apply to the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
The bridge reports that more than 40,000 truck drivers, commuters and tourists cross the border each day.
A way to collect from certain trucks
The bill would make the state responsible for sharing information and helping collect unpaid tolls. The rule would apply to operators who use an automatic tolling system.
At a recent hearing, Posthumus said the bill aims to keep traffic moving across the bridge while ensuring drivers pay the toll.
Randy Spader of the Ambassador Bridge said the system helps traffic flow better and reduces pollution from trucks stopping and starting.
“Commercial vehicles do not have to stop to pay a toll. That helps with more efficiency at the border crossing. That helps with the environmental issues of trucks stopping and starting. It has worked very well,” Spader said. “The biggest hurdle that we always have is the collection of those tolls.”
He said the goal is to catch the small number of drivers who do not follow the rules.
“They don’t register. They don’t know the process. (HB4809) will also help us with the individuals who don’t follow through on the invoices,” Spader said.
The bill would allow the Detroit International Bridge Company to use information from the Secretary of State to identify vehicle owners. The step is described as helping ensure individuals can be properly identified.
Some lawmakers have raised concerns about requiring the state to help a private company get paid.
House Rules Committee Chair Rep. Bill Schutte, R-Midland, said it comes down to maintaining vital infrastructure.
“It allows for the Secretary of State and trucking companies to work better together to ensure the proper payment of tolls,” he said.
Vehicle registration tie-in
The Secretary of State would also have to refuse to issue or transfer a vehicle registration if a toll operator reports that the owner has six or more unpaid tolls that are more than 90 days old.
Michigan would be allowed to make an agreement with another state to help collect and enforce tolls and related fees. The same kind of agreement could also be made with a Canadian province.
A toll dispute process is included.
HB4809 is waiting for further consideration on the House floor. LL
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