License Plate Scanners.

[ultrarunner]

Bridges, Red light cameras and commuter lanes now exclusively use license plate scanners to bill or deduct payment from those with transponders...

Twice in the last 5 years I have received Toll Evasion invoices with penalties and short time line to tender payment.

Thankfully a photo is part of the invoice and both times I have been able to clear as the vehicle bears no resemblance to mine...

There is a cottage industry altering license plates to evade tolls... mostly by scraping off the reflective surface causing havoc.

My Toyota Sedan bears no resemblance to a full size van...

As automation and AI advance it's just one thing guilty until proven innocent.

 

[CliffordK]

You'd think they'd tie it into the DMV database. While the DMV may not track things like car color, that is probably encoded into the vehicle VIN. And a good AI program should be able to at least classify the type of vehicle (Sedan, pickup, van, truck, etc).

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

The ones we installed in California they were just interested in the revenue, they don't really care if they get it right.
I like the statement though, of "guilty until proven innocent."

 

[Oaktree]

You'd think they'd tie it into the DMV database. While the DMV may not track things like car color, that is probably encoded into the vehicle VIN.

Not sure if you can get vehicle color from the VIN, but at least in my state the registration notes the color, so the DMV does have that info.

It's rare that we go anywhere there's a toll road, bridge, etc. but I did notice a couple years ago when we did a road trip that the N.Y. Thruway has removed toll booths and replaced them with cameras.

 

[Streetcar]

Not sure if you can get vehicle color from the VIN, but at least in my state the registration notes the color, so the DMV does have that info.

It's rare that we go anywhere there's a toll road, bridge, etc. but I did notice a couple years ago when we did a road trip that the N.Y. Thruway has removed toll booths and replaced them with cameras.

VIN can pull up all information about the original features of your car

 

[sandman2234]

I got a letter in the mail for toll not paid, since I don't have an account for them to soak funds from. The picture was of a small Toyota compact, which in no way resembles the F350 dually that the tag is affixed to. Plus, in the picture, it was evident that the tag number they were billing wasn't the tag number shown. I contested it and won.
If I had a Sunpass account, they would have just deducted the toll. I wonder how many frequent tollway users just pay the bill rather than checking to be sure they aren't being charged for usage they didn't use!
David from jax

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^ Exactly

 

[plowhog]

In Sacramento, CA, a woman received a $400+ ticket in the mail. Running a red light. Ticket issued by red light camera. Mailed the ticket to her based on the plate number.

She called the Sheriff's office and vehemently complained she never drove the vehicle the day of the ticket. The Deputy stifled a yawn and said: "sure lady, we hear that all the time. Come on down and we will show you the photo evidence."

Not long after, she stormed up to the window at the Sheriff's department and repeated the story. The Deputy said: "wait here." He retrieved the photos and brought them for the lady to look at. Put them on the counter in front of her. Here is what she said:

Lady: "Well that is my car."
Lady: "Yes that is my license number."
Lady: "That is my husband driving, and WHO IS THAT WOMAN THAT IS WITH HIM !!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

[ultrarunner]

Received my dismissal of violation letter yesterday from toll authority.

Agency agreed it was not my vehicle and license misread.

The more we go to auto generated government notices the more time I spend correcting errors and 9 out of 10 are sent in error but woe be to the person that ignores!

The 1 in 10 may be correct like notice of dumping… not something I dumped but dumped on property I’m responsible so my problem.

 

[redman135]

Maybe when enough people file a charge of fraud or "use of a document to gain a pecunary advantage" this will stop. Make sure you bill for time as well. They are getting paid, why should they not pay for THEIR mistake.