RICHMOND — It’s official. After extensive testing, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT’s) new statewide toll violation-enforcement system is fully operational.

Cameras are taking photos of toll violators on the Powhite Parkway Extension in the Richmond area, the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia and the Coleman Bridge in Hampton Roads. Notices are now being sent to violators. Because of this new enforcement measure, Smart Tag/E-ZPass users will be able to move more quickly through the tolls. Toll booth gates will no longer be needed in electronic toll lanes except where necessary for safety reasons.

Violation notices state the date of the violation and include a photo of the license plate taken at the time of the violation. Violators are asked to pay the toll amount, plus a $25 administrative fee. There are appeals procedures to follow for cases of mistaken identity, sold or stolen cars and leased or rental vehicles. To ensure the privacy of motorists, photos and records related to violations will be purged within 30 days of being paid and reconciled.

Smart Tag/E-ZPass users should not encounter any problems with the new system as long as their account is in good standing. The system is designed to discourage those who do not have an electronic tolling account from using these lanes.

For more information about Smart Tag/E-ZPass, go to smart-tag.com.

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