How to pay tolls on NYC bridges and tunnels

New York City tolls are collected on seven bridges and two tunnels: the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Williamsburg Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Queensboro Bridge. You can pay tolls three ways: with a E-ZPass account (the fastest and cheapest option), by mail after receiving a toll notice, or through a video toll system that photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice.

E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that deducts the toll automatically as you pass through a toll plaza. The toll amount varies by vehicle type and time of day — passenger cars pay less during off-peak hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday) than during peak hours. If you don't have E-ZPass and don't pay within a set time, the New York State Thruway Authority will send you a toll notice with a bill and a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is the only way to get discounted tolls in New York City; without it, you pay the full toll amount plus a video toll surcharge.
  • You can set up an E-ZPass account online, by mail, or in person at a service center, and it takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your transponder.
  • Tolls vary by vehicle type (cars, motorcycles, trucks) and time of day, with off-peak rates available from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays.
  • If you receive a toll notice in the mail, you have 30 days to pay before additional penalties are added to your bill.
  • You can check your E-ZPass balance and transaction history online through your account portal or by calling customer service.

Setting up an E-ZPass account

To open an E-ZPass account, you need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration document, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can start the process online at the E-ZPass website, by mail using a paper process, or in person at an E-ZPass service center in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.

Online registration is the fastest route. You'll enter your vehicle and personal information, choose your payment method, and set a prepaid balance (the minimum is usually $25 to $100, depending on your vehicle type). The New York State Thruway Authority will mail your transponder to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, you mount it on your windshield, and it's active when ready.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read the process form from the E-ZPass website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your registration and a check or money order. Processing takes longer this way — typically 2 to 3 weeks. In-person service is available at select locations in the tri-state area if you need your transponder faster or want help setting up your account.

E-ZPass toll rates and discounts

E-ZPass toll rates for passenger cars in New York City are lower during off-peak hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays, all day Saturday and Sunday) than during peak hours (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays). The exact amounts change periodically and vary slightly by bridge or tunnel, so check the E-ZPass website or your account for current rates.

Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and trucks have different toll structures. Motorcycles typically pay a reduced rate compared to cars. Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles pay higher tolls based on their weight and axle count. If you drive a vehicle other than a standard passenger car, confirm the toll category when you set up your account.

E-ZPass account holders also avoid the video toll surcharge — an extra fee added to bills sent by mail. This surcharge can be $5 or more per crossing, making E-ZPass significantly cheaper over time even if you only cross occasionally.

Paying tolls without E-ZPass

If you don't have E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your license plate as you pass through and mails you a toll notice. You'll receive the bill within 2 to 4 weeks. The notice includes the toll amount, the video toll surcharge, and instructions for payment. You have 30 days from the date on the notice to pay.

You can pay a toll notice online through the New York State Thruway Authority website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a service center. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. If you pay within 30 days, you avoid additional penalties.

If you miss the 30-day important date, the authority adds a late fee to your bill. Repeated unpaid tolls can result in vehicle registration suspension or a civil judgment against you. If you receive a notice you believe is incorrect — for example, if your vehicle was stolen or you have a legitimate dispute — you can contest it by following the instructions on the notice.

Managing your E-ZPass account

Once your account is active, you can check your balance, view transaction history, and update your payment method through the E-ZPass customer portal online. You'll need your account number and PIN to log in. Most account holders set up automatic replenishment, which adds funds to their account when the balance drops below a certain threshold.

If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact E-ZPass customer service to request a replacement. There is usually a small fee for a replacement transponder. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need E-ZPass, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.

E-ZPass customer service is available by phone, email, and online chat. Keep your account number and transponder number handy when you contact them. Response times vary, but most inquiries are handled within 1 to 2 business days.

Tolls on other New York roads

E-ZPass also works on the New York State Thruway (I-87 and I-90), the Northway (I-87 north of Albany), and several other toll roads in the tri-state area. If you travel frequently on these roads, a single E-ZPass account covers all of them. The same discounts and off-peak rates explore on the Thruway as they do on NYC bridges and tunnels.

Some toll roads in other states also accept E-ZPass, though rates and discount structures may differ. If you travel outside New York regularly, check whether your destination states participate in the E-ZPass network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an E-ZPass transponder?

Online applications typically take 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your information. Mail applications take 2 to 3 weeks. You can use your account number to pay tolls before your physical transponder arrives, though you won't receive the discount until the transponder is mounted and active.

What happens if I don't pay a toll notice?

If you don't pay within 30 days, the authority adds a late fee. Continued non-payment can lead to vehicle registration suspension, civil judgments, or collection actions. If you dispute the notice, follow the instructions on the bill to file a challenge within the required timeframe.

Can I use someone else's E-ZPass transponder?

No. E-ZPass transponders are registered to a specific vehicle and account holder. Using someone else's transponder is toll fraud and can result in criminal charges. If you borrow a vehicle, ask the owner for permission to use their transponder, or pay the toll by mail.

Do I get a discount if I cross the same bridge every day?

E-ZPass gives you off-peak discounts during specific hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays), but there is no separate frequent-user discount. However, the off-peak rate is significantly lower than the peak rate, so if your commute allows you to cross during those hours, you'll save money.

What if my license plate is unreadable and I don't receive a toll notice?

Contact the New York State Thruway Authority with your vehicle information and the date and location of the crossing. They can look up the toll in their system and send you a bill. Without a clear license plate photo, the toll authority may not be able to identify your vehicle, but it's worth reaching out to resolve the issue.