Under current law, if a person owes toll money, they are prohibited from renewing their vehicle registration until they pay their toll. Representative Annie Menz, D-Norman, filed HB2968, which would remove the ability of Service Oklahoma to deny renewal vehicle registration for unpaid tolls. Menz says her office has received feedback from constituents about this issue, and while she appreciates Service Oklahoma, it is time to make this adjustment.
“Imagine taking off work to stand in line at the tag agency to renew your vehicle registration, only to be told you can’t because you owe money to OTA for tolls. Many people don’t have to imagine that; they’ve experienced it,” stated Menz.
“Because of this statute, tag agents have to send paying customers out of their doors because they can’t collect tolls, and they aren’t allowed to provide services to someone who owes maybe two dollars to OTA. At that point, a person has missed work for nothing and is now driving around without proper documentation.”
Menz says that if these kinds of roadblocks stand, it just incentivizes people to continue driving without their registration up-to-date.
“Lawful drivers mean safer roads, and getting to work safely means being able to pay bills. This legislation is a commonsense adjustment for working families. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this effort.” said Menz.
HB2968 will be available to be heard after the legislative session commences on Monday, February 5th.
