Me and the New York State Thruway Authority

Most of you who read my articles know that I grew up in New York and maintain licenses to practice law in the New York State and Federal courts. My older daughter Samantha was moving to Connecticut with her boyfriend, who was starting medical school. So, in July I drove across the country in two cars with my ex wife, two kids and Sam’s black Labrador and BF. I could not stay as long, so my trip ended with a quick visit to Niagara Falls and then to Albany to visit my old school and college housemate for three years.
Anyways, somewhere across the country, Samantha applied for a temporary EZ Pass. Might have been in Ohio, not really sure. I bought her the car but she had to get the Pass. She is relatively responsible so, I thought we would be all set. Boy, was I mistaken.
In New York, they ding you at just about every bridge and crossing you come to. A few years back, I went from New Jersey to NY via the George Washington Bridge. When I got to the toll booth (after having had the privilege of waiting 45 minutes in bumper to bumper traffic), I asked for my commemorative mug. If they were charging 15 bucks to cross the bridge, the least they should do is give you a free mug with a picture of the bridge on it. The guy looked at me like I was nuts.
But I digress. I was dropped off at the airport and my ex wife, and two daughters spent the next few days traipsing through the NYC area. They managed to go through a bunch of tolls, some as low as 35 cents each, without paying cash. Turns out NY charges $100 for each missed toll. My mailbox blessed me with 4 collective notices demanding more than $950.00. That was with most of the tolls “only” reaching $50.00 in penalty each. When I called my daughter asking about her pass, she told me she had gotten it at a vending machine some-where.
Unfortunately, it is a criminal violation to go through tolls and not pay for them. Even though I hadn’t done that, I was still the registered owner of the vehicle. Every so often, having a law license sucks. The other day, it was having one in NY. As it turns out, they waive the late fees if you get an EZ Pass. I now have two.
For all of your family law and business law needs, contact the Law Offices of Richard A. Marcus (661) 257-8877.