Dec. 29, 2007, 9 a.m. -The Prince George's County Revenue Authority will start using the SmartBoot to collect more than $10 million in fines for 18,000 delinquent traffic, parking and red light tickets.

The SmartBoot, an electronic self releasing immobilization device, will be installed on the vehicles of the most serious offenders who have accumulated two or more outstanding tickets that are at least 90 days old, the Revenue Authority announced yesterday.

PayLock IPT LLC is under contract to provide on-street collections services that combine Mobile License Plate Recognition (MLPR) technology, SmartBoot immobilization devices, and the operation of a 24-hour Help Center.

When a vehicle has been identified as "immobilization eligible" for delinquent tickets, Revenue Authority Parking Enforcement Officers will apply an on-vehicle notice, and/or a SmartBoot to vehicles identified as “immobilization eligible.  The SmartBoot  effectively makes it impossible for the vehicle to be moved until payment is made.  The motorist is then given the authorized combination that opens the unique locking mechanism of the immobilization device.

To make payment easy for the motorists, PayLock provides toll-free access to Help Center staff 24 hours a day seven days a week. Help Center operators explain to the motorist the payment options, boot removal steps, and directions to the boot return location.

Payment types accepted include American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and electronic check-by-phone. Cash payments are accepted at the Revenue Authority located at 1300 Mercantile Lane, Suite 108, Largo MD, 20774 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information about the Revenue Authority and the SmartBoot program please call 301-925-9448.

            This new collections program is designed to help improve compliance with the county's parking and traffic laws by offering convenient payment options on the spot. Since the SmartBoot can be released without waiting, motorists can be back on the road in less than five minutes.