If the registered owner fails to pay the toll evasion penalty, as required in Section 40262, or fails to contest the violation, as provided in Section 40255, the registered owner shall be deemed liable for the violation by operation of law, and the toll evasion penalty and any administrative fees or charges shall be considered a debt due and owing the issuing agency by the registered owner.
Source:
Section 40262.5, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=40262.5..