EZ Pass Tracking

[John61CT]

> In Mass it's illegal to use electronic tolling information/cameras for anything other than collecting tolls

To me, even in the Commonwealth of Soviet Socialist Massachusetts, that would indicate law enforcement did indeed try to put the data to use in ways legislators felt was abusive.

And in states not forbidding such use may well be happening.

Of course just collecting and cross-referencing the data, just cause they can, doesn't mean they actually do anything with wrt innocent sleeping nomads.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

To me, even in the Commonwealth of Soviet Socialist Massachusetts, that would indicate law enforcement did indeed try to put the data to use in ways legislators felt was abusive.

I believe it was preemptive to ease the concerns of those who thought it could be used for ill will,  but guess they are two of the same.........whether the police were using it for other purposes or people perceived they would, it doesn't bode well for public perception.  


To answer your other question,  i've had the opposite experience.   I've stayed over night in rest stops posted with either a time limit or no overnights sign after explaining my intentions to a trooper pulling through the rest stop.  He had no issues with me staying overnight and moving on in the morning. Even said he'd radio the officer on the next shift change so they wouldn't hassle me.

 

[John61CT]

As it should be. Well rested drivers decrease the fatality rates.

 

[VanKitten]

I had my Ezpass transponder hacked a few years ago.

EZPass was taking $200-$300 out of account each week!!!!

This was a major problem, and I was bouncing checks before I found out.

I turned off the account immediately.
It took weeks and a letter to the NJ Attorney General to finally get an accounting from them

They showed me going over the George Washington Bridge at the same exact time I was going through a toll on the Massachusetts turnpike 200 miles away. Yeah. Proof it wasn't me.

Now, I never allow anyone to automatically take from my account. Maybe they fixed it, but I won't take the chance.

 

[ArmorAbby]

>How ever, if you did get busted for sleeping in your vehicle, the prosecutor could get a search warrant to use ezpass records to prove you were there. Then the jury would be sure to find you guilty.


I'm pretty sure even if I get busted for sleeping there... I doubt the prosecutor would bother getting a warrant, to rifle through ezpass records or that my guilt would be determined by a jury....
That's a bit dramatic...
It would simply be a ticket from the State Police.. and I'd stand in front of a judge, and simply pay it...

My concern is that monthly invoice that tracks my entrances and exits on the highway and the extended time spent there will raise suspicions consequently raising fees for me... So was wondering if anyone else actually did this....

 

[Zil]

Seems it is hard to make a joke, these days. But, ezpass does not care how many times or at what time you cross the gate. They report the times so you can confirm the charges. That is all they care. You could stop at Molly Pitcher and use the Howard Stern Porta-poty as long as you pay the toll, with no real time limit by Ez Pass. Get your Ez Pass and link it to a debit or credit card. You will not be disappointed.

 

[Boyntonstu]

If you are unable to toss a coin you are not required to pay a toll:

The Toll Permit is issued when the following conditions, as specified in s. 338.155, Florida Statutes, are met:
The individual certifies that he/she meets the intent of the legislation, i.e., has severe and permanent upper limb mobility or dexterity impairments that substantially impairs him/her from tossing coins into the baskets; has a valid driver's license; and drives a specially equipped vehicle; and is therefore qualified for such a permit.
The applicant provides a signed statement from the applicant's physician that he/she meets the physical disability eligibility requirements, i.e., that he/she does have a severe and permanent upper limb mobility or dexterity impairment that substantially impairs him/her from tossing coins into the basket.
Verification is received from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, or the equivalent department in another state, that the applicant does have a valid driver's license.
Verification is received from the Florida Department of Health that the applicant's certifying physician is a licensed physician.

 

[Boyntonstu]

Dup

 

[Zil]

Well. I hope those that need free tolls get them. But that does seem like a lot of red tape and work to avoid a few dollars on whatever-pass.

 

[lenny flank]

Has anyone ever heard of anyone being arrested for **sleeping in a rest stop**??!

Yes.  In some states, it is illegal to park overnight or sleep in a highway rest stop.  The rationale is that these stops are for short breaks while driving, not for sleeping. The reality is that it is an anti-homeless measure, to prevent rest stops from becoming homeless camps.

In other states which do not flat-out ban overnight parking, they impose a time limit on you, typically six hours or four hours.

Having said that, i have often spent the night at rest stops in states which ban or restrict it, and never had any problem. But then, I don't look like a homeless person, and my van is not rusted-out and filled with crap.

But yes, it is indeed entirely possible to be fined or arrested for sleeping at a rest stop.

 

[John61CT]

I realize it is possible. The average citizen breaks dozens of laws daily completely unawares, TPTB can get you anytime they like.

My question was something different entirely.

 

[Scott7022]

I crashed at a rest stop in BC fifty miles from home in a new Challenger no cooler no blankets. It had been a long LONG shift my Uniform had gotten covered in blood so I was in borrowed sweat pants and top. I was falling asleep and no amount of Lemmy, at any volume was keeping me awake. I parked. Four hours later I had the RCMP tapping his flashlight on my window and hitting me with the light. I opened the window and he told me to move along. I said something about working for thirty hours straight and needed some sleep. He proceeded to tell me the time I had been tagged and I had already been afforded the courtesy of 27 minutes of leeway and any further time would get me ticketed.
I looked at him in disbelief 27 minutes? I wasn't quite as zen as I am now and my button had firmly been pushed to the stick level.
"So write the fucking ticket." I said and rolled up the window. Strangely I fell asleep angry and was surprised at being woken up again by the same officer.
"Sir you need to move your vehicle or it will be towed."
"Really, you are going to tow my car with me in it. Did you graduate cop camp today or yesterday."
"Sir, I will be forced to removed you from the vehicle."
"Well, better call your friends before you open my door because you won't get a chance after."
Silence, and I climbed into the back seat to sleep. I woke up to a movie set. Something must have woken me up but I was boxed in by three cop cars. "You in the car step out now."
Really, no coffee and I find myself in a hard stop? This had moved to stupid plus 4. I got out hands visible, no guns were drawn this is Canada. I lifted my sweat top and did the 360 and went to my knees crossed my ankles and got put on my face. Frisked and cuffed and dragged to my feet by Officer 27 minutes. He paraded me past the duty sergeant who recognized me and said. "Hold up"
"This is the guy that said he would shoot you in the face if you opened his door?"
"Yes"
"Scott have you been drinking?"
"Nope did you hear about XXXXXX XXXX?"
"Yeah it is all over the news already."
"Yeah I was sleeping after 22 hours of OT. Officer 27 minutes here kind of got me at a bad time. But I never said I'd shoot him."
He un-cuffed me himself, and sent rookie packing with a look.
"You OK?"
"You got coffee?"

It takes all kinds to make the world. Law Enforcement Officers are expected to be and act better but this is not always the case. You get all kinds. In Canada don't be an asshole like I was and you'll be asked to leave but they do watch.
I told the story at work the next day and heard a ton of never happened to me stories. Just can never be sure. I did get a letter saying sorry from officer 27 minutes and before you chime in about false statements and the like. He got punished more than a judge would have imposed. Sometimes it is best to leave it in-house.

 

[John61CT]

Nice story!

Exception that proves the rule

 

[Charlotte's Web]

....records along the toll roads are more or less permanent.  So...if you want to leave less noticeable tracks,
use cold hard cash!

Hear, hear! 
Personally, I am wary/suspicious of  *anything* designated "smart" or "easy".   My privacy is worth a lot to me, so I'd rather pay more in tolls & consider the money well spent.   Always good to think/stay ahead of the curve & leave a scant trail of breadcrumbs.

Charlotte

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Now, I never allow anyone to automatically take from my account.   Maybe they fixed it, but I won't take the chance.

RK, the hacking you refer to is common & getting worse by the month.  

I've also dealt with "hacked" charges & now, like yourself, try to avoid any possibilities.  When traveling I cherish the feeling of freedom & simplicity.  The less digital my life, the better.  So though perhaps not "convenient" I never bank or shop online.  Speed & convenience, for me, do not lead to a happier existence.

A Luddite at heart, I read actual books, navigate with folding maps, & have never in my adult life been a TV watcher.  And I hope to avoid the interstates, like all good shunpikers! 

Charlotte

 

[tx2sturgis]

The less digital my life, the better. 

Says the gal playing on the internet...

 

[highdesertranger]

haha, I had to look up shunpiker. highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

Interesting, I assumed that meaning as in shunning turnpikes.

But "piker" turns out to mean an extreme cheapskate as well, so now
I have to investigate the derivation of turnPIKE.

 

[Zil]

were pike means a type of spear, then a pole, then a gate. Near Cape May there is a curvy old street named Shunpike Road. I have had my Ez-Pass for many years. I have not had one problem.

 

[ArmorAbby]

I've also dealt with "hacked" charges & now, like yourself, try to avoid any possibilities. 

One thing I know is a smarter way to do deal with online purchases, but I haven't made the effort to do it.... is to get one of those disposable, reloadable gift cards... pay online with that... then just dump it. 
Then no one ever has my actual card info.