Toll lane charging

Please help settle a friendly dispute between my wife and I - Recently we had to have our car towed from our home to a repair shop, and the flatbed driver utilized a toll lane here in Charlotte. The automatic toll lane system sent me a bill as it got my license plate on the back of the flatbed. We disputed it and it was cancelled. My wife is of the opinion that NC tolls (or any toll lane or bridge) can and will charge for vehicles regardless of whether they are being driven or not. I believe that they can only legally charge the vehicle that is occupied and being operated. Can anyone confirm either one of these for us? Thanks.