(New Hampshire) Lawmakers Accidentally Repeal Law Against Evading Tolls

[matcom]

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CONCORD, N.H. --Oops! When the state introduced E-ZPass at toll booths, it made driving through an E-ZPass lane without paying punishable by a $25 fine.

But in making the change, it inadvertently repealed the law that made it illegal to drive through other lanes without paying, officials now realize.

"We totally decriminalized the whole thing," said Earl Sweeney, deputy state safety commissioner.

State officials will ask legislators to fix the problem when they return to Concord for the 2006 session. In the meantime, Sweeney says all toll evaders are still subject to administrative fines of $25 for driving through without paying.

The error occurred last year, when the Legislature passed the law authorizing E-ZPass. Officials say it wasn't discovered until E-ZPass went into operation this summer.

Toll evasion had been a violation, comparable to a traffic ticket, but punishable by a $140 fine.

The new law created a $25 administrative fine enforced by using video cameras at E-ZPass lanes. Scofflaws also have to pay the 75 cent toll.

Drivers who don't pay within 60 days face escalating consequences. Their licenses and vehicle registrations can be suspended, triggering costly reinstatement fees.

The problem is the 2004 law didn't spell out details for dealing with people who drive through cash and exact change lanes without paying. Sweeney said those drivers can be reported by toll attendants or police and are subject to the $25 administrative fine.

Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said she plans to install cameras at every toll booth, since she hopes to eventually have E-ZPass in all lanes. The cameras could be used to enforce toll laws for all drivers, she said, but cameras in non-E-ZPass lanes would not be turned on unless the Legislature approved.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/09/13/nh_repealed_law_against_evading_tolls?mode=PF