Shocking Toll Violations and Car Donation Nightmares: What You Must Know to Avoid Costly Mistakes

When it comes to car ownership, the process of donating or selling your vehicle seems straightforward—until it isn’t. Recently, a series of consumer stories has highlighted how easily things can go awry when vehicle ownership transitions are mishandled. From unexpected toll violations to lawsuits over overcharging, these cautionary tales serve as vital lessons for anyone looking to transfer their vehicle ownership.

The Charity Donation Fiasco

Vickie Balog of Sacramento thought she was doing a good deed by donating her car to the local SPCA in 2019. However, her generous act quickly spiraled into a four-and-a-half-year nightmare. Despite completing all necessary paperwork with the DMV, her donated vehicle was never registered by the new owner. Consequently, Balog was bombarded with toll violations, tickets, and even a $4,310 bill for tow and storage fees. It wasn’t until CBS13’s Call Kurtis investigative team intervened that the collection agency finally dropped the charges against her.

Lesson Learned: Always ensure that the vehicle is registered under the new owner’s name. Consider accompanying the buyer or charity representative to the DMV to confirm the registration is complete. This small step can save you from years of headaches.

The Toll Trouble from Beyond the Grave

In Lewiston, Diane Lowell found herself receiving toll bills addressed to her husband, who had passed away six years earlier. Despite never having held a driver’s license, Lowell was repeatedly billed for tolls allegedly incurred by her late husband in New York and New Jersey. Even after submitting a death certificate, the bills kept coming. It wasn’t until she reached out to CBS13’s I-Team that the toll authorities finally acknowledged their error and dropped the charges.

Lesson Learned: If a loved one passes away, immediately take steps to deactivate their vehicle registration and license plates. Additionally, ensure that any toll agencies are informed of the death to prevent future billing issues.

Skyway Overcharges: The Price of Convenience

For 20 years, Wilmette contractor Rocky Rowe regularly used the Chicago Skyway, often grumbling about the steadily increasing tolls. It wasn’t until he discussed it with an attorney friend that they discovered Skyway users had been overcharged by as much as $3 million over five years. Now, Rowe is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit seeking refunds for affected drivers.

Lesson Learned: Regularly monitor toll charges and investigate any discrepancies. While a few extra cents per trip may seem insignificant, over time, these overcharges can add up to substantial sums. Staying vigilant can help protect your wallet.

Protecting Yourself

These stories illustrate the importance of being proactive and informed when it comes to vehicle ownership and toll charges. Whether you’re donating, selling, or simply using toll roads, taking extra steps to ensure all paperwork is correctly filed can save you from unexpected and costly surprises.

If you find yourself facing a similar issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to consumer advocacy groups or local investigative teams. Their expertise can be invaluable in resolving disputes and ensuring that justice is served.

Ultimately, while the road of vehicle ownership may be fraught with potential pitfalls, being diligent and thorough can keep you on the right track.