Toll evaders thinking of skipping out on payment at a crossing could find themselves in a real jam - and not just on New Jersey roadways. As summer presses on, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will continue turning up the heat on toll cheats.

The agency announced Tuesday that the total number of summonses issued by Port Authority police increased by 55%. Arrests increased by 54% since the beginning of 2024, compared with the same period of time last year. The Port Authority says drivers, including repeat offenders, who failed to pay tolls collectively owed the agency more than $4.2 million.

According to the authority, a total of 4,836 summonses were issued for toll violations in the first six months of 2024. During the same six-month period of 2023, 3,103 summonses were issued. Most of the summonses issued were for having a license plate that was either missing, obstructed or fictitious. In addition, Port Authority police arrested 63 people for theft of service and having fake plates, which is a 54% increase over last year.

"Between targeted patrols, streamlined data collection, and other resources, we're leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of drivers who think they can cheat the system," Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton wrote in a statement. "Over the first six months of the year, thousands found out the hard way just how serious we are about our commitment to equity and fairness for all of our customers."

The Port Authority says they will continue focusing on repeat offenders who cost the agency "hundreds of thousands of dollars." The agency says the best way to avoid penalties such as fines and suspension of vehicle registration, is to pay toll bills on time by signing up for E-ZPass.

"Any driver under the illusion that they can evade payment at our crossings should heed this warning: Detection is inevitable, and consequences are assured," Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar wrote in a statement. "As these robust summons and arrest numbers show, we are determined and committed to ensuring drivers are following the law when they use our roadways."