Lee County drivers eligible for savings in reduced toll fines

The Lee County Clerk of Court has reduced toll fines to $10 per citation through the end of the year.

About 5,800 drivers are eligible to save millions of dollars on overdue toll fine citations. The savings could be applied toward 36,268 citations, according to a news release from the Clerk of Court.

The toll amnesty program, a partnership between Clerk of Courts Linda Doggett and judges in Lee County, has helped thousands of drivers reinstate their license, according to the news release.

According to the Clerk of Court, the toll amnesty program was launched in tandem with Operation Green Light, a statewide event that gave customers with overdue court fines a break on their collection fees. Toll violation customers comprised approximately 85% of all customers during Operation Green Light.

In addition to savings, all collection, delinquency and payment plan fees are waived. However, drivers will have to pay to have their licenses reinstated. Payment plans can be used.

The program began last month and so far drivers have closed 9,300 citations, saving more than $1.55 million cumulatively.

“This is an excellent opportunity for anybody who has an overdue toll citation to save hundreds of dollars. Paying these overdue toll fines in full may make these individuals eligible to reinstate their driving license,” Doggett said in a statement. “Driving is an essential part of leading a productive life, especially as we navigate through the pandemic.”

Those interested in taking advantage of the toll amnesty program must contact the Lee County Clerk of Court.

To make a payment, customers can visit LeeClerk.org to schedule an appointment or connect with a representative via TeleClerk, a new video conferencing system. Payments can also be made by calling 239-533-5000.