Thruway Toll Surcharge Paused by New York Court

New York Supreme Court Halts New Thruway Toll Surcharge

A New York judge has paused a new toll surcharge tied to commercial truck toll accounts. The court issued a temporary restraining order that stops the New York State Thruway Authority from moving forward with the fee. The ruling came from the New York State Supreme Court in Albany. It was signed on January 15, 2026. The case involves BestPass, Inc. and the New York State Thruway Authority. As a result, the Thruway surcharge cannot take effect for now. The order keeps the current toll system in place for truck drivers while the court reviews legal challenges. 

Court Blocks Thruway Surcharge Plan

The judge’s order blocks the Thruway Authority from launching a new toll surcharge tied to its Toll Management Service Provider program. That program would change how third-party toll companies handle commercial toll accounts.

The Thruway Authority planned to add a 1% fee on tolls processed through providers like BestPass and PrePass. These companies manage toll billing for many fleets across the country. However, the court stepped in before the fee could start. The order freezes the program until the legal issues are reviewed.

Why the Toll Surcharge Faced a Legal Challenge

The legal fight began after the Thruway Authority announced changes to its commercial toll account system. The agency said the new system would modernize toll processing and allow more providers into the market.

But toll service companies pushed back. They argued the toll surcharge was imposed without proper notice or public input.

They also said the fee would raise costs for trucking companies. In their view, it acted like a hidden toll increase. As a result, BestPass filed a petition asking the court to block the program.

What the Court Filing Says About the Toll Surcharge

According to the court document, BestPass filed its petition on January 7, 2026. The company asked for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction.

The judge granted the restraining order. The ruling bars the Thruway Authority from taking any further steps to roll out the toll surcharge or the new toll processing program.

The filing also sets deadlines. The Thruway Authority must submit a formal response by late February 2026. Until then, the toll surcharge remains on hold.

Judge Keeps Toll Surcharge From Taking Effect

The judge did not rule on whether the toll surcharge is legal. Instead, the court focused on timing and fairness.

Judges often grant restraining orders when one side shows it could suffer harm without a pause. In this case, toll service providers argued the new fee would disrupt contracts and raise costs. The court agreed that a pause was needed.

Thruway Authority Defends Toll Surcharge Plan

Thruway Authority officials say the changes are needed. They argue that older toll contracts no longer fit a cashless toll system. They also claim the toll surcharge is an administrative fee, not a toll hike. According to the authority, the money would help support operations and upgrades. They also point out that truck toll rates in New York remain competitive compared to other states.

What the Toll Surcharge Means for Truck Drivers and Fleets

For truck drivers, the ruling brings short-term relief. The toll surcharge would have raised costs for fleets that use third-party toll providers. Many carriers rely on those services to manage toll bills across multiple states. With the court order in place, toll charges stay the same for now. That helps protect margins at a time when operating costs remain high.

For carriers, the pause also removes immediate uncertainty. Many fleets worried the toll surcharge would raise monthly toll bills. Some feared it would also disrupt billing systems and contracts with toll service providers. The ruling gives carriers time to plan and review their toll strategies. However, the legal fight is not over.

What Happens Next

The Thruway Authority must file its response by late February 2026. After that, the judge may schedule hearings. The court could later decide to:

• Extend the pause
• Allow the surcharge to move forward
• Or strike down the plan

Until then, the toll surcharge stays blocked.