What happens to unpaid tolls in Virginia?

What Happens to Unpaid Tolls in Virginia?

Unpaid tolls in Virginia can lead to serious consequences. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) takes unpaid tolls very seriously, and failure to pay tolls can result in fines, fees, and even the suspension of your vehicle registration.

If you drive on a toll road in Virginia without an E-ZPass, you will receive a toll invoice in the mail. It is important to pay this invoice promptly to avoid additional fees and penalties. If you fail to pay the toll invoice within the specified timeframe, your account may be sent to a collections agency, resulting in further fees and potential damage to your credit score.

In addition to fees and penalties, failure to pay tolls can also lead to the suspension of your vehicle registration. This means you will be unable to renew your vehicle registration until all outstanding tolls and fees are paid in full.

FAQs about Unpaid Tolls in Virginia

1. What if I don’t receive a toll invoice in the mail?

If you do not receive a toll invoice in the mail, you can contact the Virginia Department of Transportation to inquire about any unpaid tolls associated with your vehicle.

2. Can I dispute a toll invoice?

Yes, you have the right to dispute a toll invoice if you believe it was issued in error. You can contact VDOT to initiate the dispute process.

3. Can unpaid tolls affect my credit score?

Yes, unpaid tolls that are sent to a collections agency can have a negative impact on your credit score.

4. How can I avoid unpaid tolls?

The best way to avoid unpaid tolls is to sign up for an E-ZPass and ensure that your account is in good standing.

5. Can I set up a payment plan for unpaid tolls?

Yes, depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the collections agency to resolve unpaid tolls.

6. What should I do if I receive a collections notice for unpaid tolls?

If you receive a collections notice for unpaid tolls, it is important to contact the collections agency promptly to avoid further consequences.

7. Can I renew my vehicle registration if I have unpaid tolls?

No, if you have unpaid tolls, your vehicle registration may be suspended until the outstanding balance is paid in full.

8. Are there any discounts available for unpaid tolls?

In some cases, VDOT may offer discounts or waivers for unpaid tolls, particularly for first-time offenders.

9. What if I no longer own the vehicle associated with unpaid tolls?

If you no longer own the vehicle associated with unpaid tolls, you will need to provide documentation to VDOT to transfer the responsibility to the new owner.

10. Can I be arrested for unpaid tolls in Virginia?

It is unlikely that you will be arrested for unpaid tolls in Virginia, but failure to address outstanding tolls can lead to legal consequences and further fines.

11. Can unpaid tolls affect my ability to renew my driver’s license?

While unpaid tolls are not directly linked to the renewal of your driver’s license, they can affect the status of your vehicle registration, which in turn can impact your ability to renew your license plates.

12. What is the statute of limitations on unpaid tolls in Virginia?

The statute of limitations for unpaid tolls in Virginia is 5 years, meaning that VDOT has up to 5 years to pursue collection efforts for unpaid tolls.

By addressing unpaid tolls promptly and responsibly, you can avoid the negative repercussions that come with non-payment. It is essential to stay informed about your tolling obligations and take action to resolve any outstanding tolls to avoid additional fees and penalties.