NC legislature passes increases to late toll fees

Fees for unpaid toll bills could increase by 50% under legislation North Carolina lawmakers sent to the governor's desk Wednesday.

Why it matters: Late fees were first introduced in 2011 and haven't changed since, even as the state Turnpike Authority's labor and overhead costs have increased, WRAL reports .

State of play: If the governor signs the bill into law, drivers could face up to $72 a year in toll late fees, up from $48.

• The state would also be granted the ability to obtain drivers' phone numbers, along with other digital information, to track down those with unpaid tolls.

Yes, but: Fees won't increase immediately if the legislation becomes law, the agency told WRAL.

The legislation would also allow billboard companies more leeway to cut down trees along roads, including native redbud trees, which are currently protected.

• Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed legislation that included similar language in 2019, according to WRAL .