How to pay tolls on New York roads and bridges

You can pay tolls in New York through three main methods: E-ZPass, which is an electronic tag that charges your account automatically; Tolls by Mail, where the toll authority photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice; or cash at toll booths that still accept it. E-ZPass is the fastest and cheapest option because it gives you a discount on most tolls. Tolls by Mail costs more because you pay a video toll surcharge on top of the base toll. Cash is available at some locations but is becoming less common as New York transitions to all-electronic tolling.

The toll roads and bridges in New York are operated by different agencies. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) runs the East River crossings (bridges and tunnels into Manhattan). The New York State Thruway Authority operates the Thruway and the Tappan Zee Bridge. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey manages the Hudson River crossings and Newark Airport access roads. Each agency accepts E-ZPass, but the account setup and payment process are the same across all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is an electronic tag that you mount on your windshield and automatically deducts tolls from a prepaid account, and it costs less than paying by mail or cash.
  • Tolls by Mail sends you an invoice when a camera reads your license plate, but you pay a surcharge on top of the toll amount.
  • You can set up an E-ZPass account online through the official E-ZPass website or through your bank, and it takes about five to ten business days to receive the tag.
  • E-ZPass tags work across all New York toll roads and bridges, as well as in other states that participate in the E-ZPass network.
  • If you do not have E-ZPass or pay by mail, you will receive a toll violation notice and may face late fees if you do not respond.

Setting up an E-ZPass account

To open an E-ZPass account, go to the official E-ZPass website at www.e-zpassny.com and click "Open an Account." You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You also need to register your vehicle by entering the license plate number and vehicle type. The account itself is free to open.

After you submit your information online, the E-ZPass tag will be mailed to you within five to ten business days. When it arrives, you mount it on the inside of your windshield, usually on the driver's side near the top. The tag communicates with sensors at toll plazas and automatically deducts the toll from your prepaid balance. You can set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount, which means you do not have to remember to add money manually.

Some banks and credit unions in New York also offer E-ZPass accounts directly through their institutions. If your bank participates, you may be able to set up the account and receive the tag faster. Call your bank to ask whether they offer E-ZPass enrollment.

E-ZPass discounts and how much you save

E-ZPass users pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay by cash or mail. The discount varies by location and toll authority. On MTA bridges and tunnels, E-ZPass users typically pay 25 to 30 percent less than the cash rate. On the Thruway, the discount is smaller but still meaningful. The exact toll amount depends on your vehicle class (passenger car, motorcycle, truck, etc.) and the specific crossing.

If you do not have E-ZPass and a camera reads your license plate, you will receive a Tolls by Mail invoice. This invoice includes the base toll plus a video toll surcharge, which is an additional fee for the cost of processing the photograph and mailing the bill. The surcharge is typically $2.75 to $3.00 on top of the toll itself, so paying by mail is significantly more expensive than using E-ZPass.

You can check your E-ZPass balance and transaction history anytime by logging into your account on the E-ZPass website. You can also set up email or text alerts so you know when your balance is low.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you cross a toll road or bridge without E-ZPass and do not pay by mail, the toll authority will send you a toll violation notice to the address on your vehicle registration. This notice includes the toll amount, the video surcharge, and a important date to pay. If you ignore the notice or miss the important date, you may receive additional late fees and the violation could be reported to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Unpaid toll violations can affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration. The DMV may place a hold on your registration renewal until the toll debt is resolved. In some cases, the toll authority may also place a lien on your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency.

If you receive a toll violation notice, you have the right to contest it. You can request a hearing or provide evidence that you were not the driver or that the toll was paid. Contact the toll authority listed on the notice to learn how to file a dispute.

E-ZPass works across state lines

E-ZPass is part of a network that spans the Northeast and Midwest. If you have an E-ZPass tag from New York, you can use it on toll roads in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The toll rates vary by state and location, but your account automatically charges the correct amount for each crossing.

When you travel out of state with E-ZPass, your account is charged the toll rate for that state and location. You do not need to do anything special or notify your E-ZPass provider. The tag reads the same way at every toll plaza in the network.

Replacing a lost or damaged E-ZPass tag

If your E-ZPass tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling the E-ZPass customer service number listed on your account statement. There is a replacement fee, which is typically $25 to $35 depending on the tag type. The replacement tag will be mailed to you within five to ten business days.

If your tag is damaged but still readable, you may be able to continue using it until the replacement arrives. If it stops working or is not being read at toll plazas, contact E-ZPass customer service to report the problem and request an expedited replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-ZPass in a rental car?

Yes, but you need to notify your E-ZPass provider before you travel. You can add a temporary vehicle to your account through the E-ZPass website or by calling customer service. Provide the rental car's license plate number and the dates you will be using it. The toll will still be charged to your E-ZPass account.

What if I move to a different state?

You can keep your E-ZPass account and continue using it in New York and other participating states. If you move out of the E-ZPass network entirely, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance. Contact E-ZPass customer service to update your address or close your account.

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

Standard delivery takes five to ten business days after you open your account online. Some E-ZPass providers offer expedited shipping for an additional fee, which can reduce the delivery time to two to three business days. Check the E-ZPass website for current shipping options.

Can I have multiple E-ZPass tags on one account?

Yes. You can register multiple vehicles on a single account, and each vehicle gets its own tag. This is useful if you have more than one car or if you want to add a family member's vehicle. All tolls from all registered vehicles are charged to the same account balance.

What if my E-ZPass tag is not being read at toll plazas?

Make sure the tag is mounted correctly on the inside of your windshield in the location specified in the instructions that came with it. If the tag is mounted correctly but still is not being read, contact E-ZPass customer service. They can test your tag and send a replacement if it is defective.