If you are managing a fleet, then one of the highest priorities is to keep up with toll violation laws and how they are impacting your routes. The harsh reality is that toll violations will quietly cut into your budget, especially because of the way that fines and fees can really add up over time.
Even if you are proactive about managing your drivers and keeping up with toll payments, it’s quite common for missed bills to slip through the cracks – resulting in accumulating fees and fines. Staying ahead of all of these transactions is critical so that you can protect your bottom line. In this article, we are taking a closer look at the practical steps you can follow for toll penalty avoidance so that you can minimize the impact on toll violation fines on your business.
Essential Things You Need to Know About Electronic Toll Collection Systems
Modern technology makes it easier than ever to keep up with fleet management, but only if you are using the technology correctly. Most fleets use transponders such as E-ZPass, SunPass, and other similar tools. These transponders are placed in the vehicles and allow for automated payments to be processed when the technology is working correctly.
Another way that electronic toll collections can occur is with toll-by-plate systems. When the vehicle passes through the toll booth, a photo is snapped of the license plate. Then, a bill is mailed to your company. This system increases the risk of toll violation fines because there is an increased risk of missed payments (since the payments aren’t automated – they require a manual transaction to occur).
Why Fleets Get Toll Violations (And How to Prevent Them)
Now that you understand how electronic toll collection works, the next priority is to look at the most common reasons why poor fleet management can result in toll violation fines and fees. Here are some of the most common offenders that we see in the industry:
- Problems with the Transponders: The equipment is incorrectly installed, isn’t working correctly, or might have expired. Sometimes, the transponders are missing completely.
- Outdated Vehicle Information: It’s critical that the vehicle information aligns with the transponder registration. If this information is outdated or the transponder has been moved to another vehicle in the fleet, then it could lead to billing errors and problems with toll violation laws.
- Different Toll Roads: While there are many fleet management systems that can integrate multiple tolling authorities within the same system, you can run into issues if a driver takes a toll road that isn’t covered by your fleet payment system.
- Lost Paperwork: It can take a lot of work to keep up with all of the paperwork and invoices that are moving through your office. If toll payments get lost in the stack, then it can lead to expensive fees and fines that start to build up over time.
The Cost of Non-Compliance: Toll Violation Fines and Penalties
When you understand the real cost of non-compliance, it’s easy to see why fleet management and toll penalty avoidance matter. When you miss a toll payment, the expenses add up quickly due to late fees, fines, and added surcharges. Your out-of-pocket costs are much higher compared to the basic toll passing fee.
Not only do you have expensive invoices, but if you have problems with toll violation laws then it can lead to legal action. Now you will need to pay for a lawyer, and you might also be facing registration holds and other complicated issues.
The problem is that the more repeat violations that you have, the higher your penalties. The first offense can often be resolved relatively easily. But if your fleet management issues are resulting in ongoing violations, then the consequences are going to worsen over time.
Best Practices Every Fleet Manager Needs for Toll Penalty Avoidance
What strategies are you implementing for toll penalty avoidance? Here are some of the best practices that we recommend to help you avoid these issues:
- Check Your Equipment: Make sure that all of your fleet transponders are working and in good condition. Also, double-check to ensure that the transponders are placed in the right vehicles so that the registration matches.
- Set Up Automated Payments: We live in a digital world, and there is no reason why you should be making manual payments. Use a fleet toll management system to set up automated payments so that you are always up-to-date with the transactions.
- Implement Better Driver Training: When your drivers are well-trained, then you can reduce the risk of toll violations. Make sure that all of your drivers understand the proper way to use tolling stations.
FAQs
What are the most common toll violations for fleet vehicles?
Most of the toll violations we see are because the transponders aren’t working or aren’t registered to the vehicles properly.
How do electronic toll collection systems work for fleets?
These systems automate toll payments through digital transactions that are processed when your drivers move through the tolling station.
Can fleet managers dispute incorrect toll violations?
Yes, it’s possible to dispute the incorrect transactions. Your fleet managers should be proactive about responding immediately. Bring proper documentation and it’s likely that you will be able to resolve any errors and avoid unnecessary penalties.
What are the penalties for repeated toll violations?
Remember that the fines will escalate if you have repeated toll violations. Not only will your fleet be under more intensive scrutiny, but you could even be facing legal action and registration issues in the future.
We Are Here to Help
If you need assistance with your fleet toll management systems, then our team is here to assist. We’ve developed the technology and systems that streamline toll payments and make it easier to keep up with the transactions that are coming through from your drivers.
For more information and personalized recommendations, reach out to Innovative Toll Solutions. Contact us today, and we will gladly discuss your needs and help you find the best solutions for toll penalty avoidance.