Pennsylvania’s New License Plates Trigger Toll Errors Due to Design Flaw

A new design on Pennsylvania license plates, intended to improve readability for automated systems, is ironically causing errors in toll collection and other automated systems. The issue stems from a design choice meant to differentiate the number zero from the letter “O,” which is now being misread as the number eight by some plate recognition software.

The Problem: Zero vs. Eight

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) introduced the redesigned plates in 2025 as part of a series commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The new plates feature a diagonal slash through the zero. While the intention was to prevent confusion between the zero and the letter “O,” the design is now being misinterpreted by Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems as the number eight.

This misidentification is leading to incorrect toll bills being sent to drivers, as well as potential issues with other systems that rely on ALPR technology, such as traffic and speed cameras. Drivers have reported receiving bills for vehicles they do not own, with instances of plates ending in “08” being read as “88.” [1]

Turnpike Commission Response

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission acknowledges the issue and is working with its software vendors to refine the ALPR systems. “There are some confusions between the number zero and the number eight,” said Crispin Havener, a communications specialist for the Turnpike Commission. “This is an issue not only impacting us in the tolling industry, but agencies that use license plate recognition software in other ways.” [1] The commission states that the fix will require time and continuous analysis to ensure the technology can adapt effectively. [3]

A Best Practice Gone Wrong

PennDOT defended the design choice, stating that it meets production and legibility requirements and was developed in consultation with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PTC). The addition of the slash through the zero was a “best practice recommendation” by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). [1] The AAMVA recommended the slashed zero to address previous difficulties in distinguishing between the zero and the letter “O.”

Similar Issues Elsewhere

Pennsylvania is not alone in experiencing issues with new license plate designs and ALPR systems. Slovakia encountered a similar problem after introducing plates with a dot in the middle of the zero in January 2023. Some parking systems initially struggled to read the new plates. [3]

Preventative Measures

Some jurisdictions, like the Czech Republic, have proactively avoided this issue by simply excluding the letter “O” from their license plate formats, ensuring that any similar-looking character is a zero. [3]

Toll-By-Plate Information

For those traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Toll-By-Plate allows for all-electronic tolling. Cameras capture license plate images as vehicles pass through toll points, and bills are sent to the registered owner approximately 40 days after travel. [1] Drivers should review their bills carefully and contact the Turnpike Commission if they believe they have received an incorrect charge.