How to pay tolls in New York

New York tolls can be paid three ways: with cash at a toll booth, through an E-ZPass account that charges automatically, or by mail if you miss a toll. Most drivers use E-ZPass because it's faster, cheaper (discounts range from 10% to 50% depending on the facility), and you don't have to stop. Cash payment is available at most tolled bridges, tunnels, and highways, though some facilities have moved to all-electronic tolling where you must use E-ZPass or pay by mail afterward.

If you drive a tolled route regularly—like the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, or Major Deegan Expressway—E-ZPass saves money and time. If you use tolls occasionally, cash works, but you'll pay the full rate. If you don't pay at the booth and don't have E-ZPass, the toll authority will bill you by mail based on your license plate, and you'll owe the toll plus a processing fee.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is an electronic account that charges tolls automatically and costs 10% to 50% less than paying cash, depending on which facility you use.
  • Cash payment is still available at most New York tolled facilities, but you pay the full rate and must stop at a booth.
  • If you don't pay a toll, the toll authority will send you a bill by mail based on your license plate, and you'll owe the toll plus a processing fee.
  • E-ZPass accounts can be opened online, by phone, or in person, and work across most tolled roads in the Northeast, not just New York.
  • Tolls vary by facility, vehicle type, and time of day on some roads, so the amount you owe depends on where and when you drive.

Opening and funding an E-ZPass account

To open an E-ZPass account, you need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can open an account online through the E-ZPass website, by phone at 1-800-333-8655, or at a service center. The account itself is free, but you must prepay a balance—usually $25 to $100 depending on the plan you choose—which the system draws from as you use tolled roads.

Once your account is open, you'll receive a transponder (a small device that mounts on your windshield) in the mail. The transponder communicates with toll readers as you drive through, and the toll is deducted from your prepaid balance automatically. You can add money to your account online, by phone, or by setting up automatic replenishment, which adds funds when your balance drops below a certain amount.

E-ZPass works across most tolled roads in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and other Northeast states, so if you travel between states, one account covers most of them. However, some facilities have their own tolling systems, so check whether your specific route accepts E-ZPass before you open an account.

Cash payment and all-electronic tolling

Cash booths are still open at most New York tolled facilities, including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and Major Deegan Expressway. You drive up to a booth, hand cash to an attendant, and receive a receipt. Cash rates are higher than E-ZPass rates—for example, a car crossing the George Washington Bridge pays $17 in cash but $11.75 with E-ZPass during off-peak hours.

Some facilities have moved to all-electronic tolling, meaning there are no cash booths and no attendants. The Tappan Zee Bridge (now the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge operate this way. If you drive through an all-electronic toll without E-ZPass, a camera reads your license plate and the toll authority mails you a bill. You'll owe the toll plus a processing fee, which can add $5 to $10 to your bill.

If you drive an all-electronic toll occasionally and don't have E-ZPass, paying by mail is unavoidable. However, if you use the same route regularly, opening an E-ZPass account saves money and avoids the processing fee.

Paying tolls by mail after the fact

If you don't pay a toll at the booth and don't have E-ZPass, the toll authority will identify your vehicle by license plate and send you a bill in the mail. The bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. You have a set number of days to pay—usually 30 days from the date the bill is mailed—and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.

If you miss the important date, the bill becomes a violation and the processing fee increases. Repeated unpaid tolls can result in vehicle registration suspension, meaning you won't be able to renew your registration until the tolls are paid. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles can hold your registration if you owe tolls to any New York facility.

To pay a toll bill by mail, write the bill number on your check and mail it to the address on the bill. To pay online or by phone, visit the toll authority's website or call the number on your bill. Have your bill number and license plate ready.

Toll rates and discounts

New York toll rates vary by facility and vehicle type. Cars typically pay less than trucks or commercial vehicles. Some facilities also charge different rates depending on the time of day—peak hours (usually weekday mornings and evenings) cost more than off-peak hours. The Congestion Pricing program, which tolls vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, uses variable pricing that changes throughout the day.

E-ZPass discounts range from 10% to 50% depending on which facility you use. The George Washington Bridge, for example, offers a 30% discount for E-ZPass users. Some facilities offer additional discounts for frequent users or for off-peak travel. Check the specific toll authority's website to see what discounts explore to your route.

If you have a low income, you may be able to get a reduced E-ZPass rate through the Toll Discount Program. may be able to access depends on your household income and the facility you use. Contact the toll authority directly to learn whether you may have access to.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you don't pay a toll and don't respond to the bill, the debt grows. After 30 days, the bill becomes a violation and a processing fee is added. If you continue not to pay, the toll authority can report the debt to a collection agency, and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your vehicle registration. You won't be able to renew your registration until the tolls are paid in full.

A suspended registration can prevent you from legally driving the vehicle and can result in fines if you're stopped by police. If you owe tolls to multiple facilities, each one can trigger a suspension independently. The only way to restore your registration is to pay all outstanding tolls and fees.

If you received a toll bill and believe it's incorrect—for example, you paid at the booth but still received a bill—contact the toll authority when ready with proof of payment. Most facilities have a dispute process and can cancel the bill if you provide a receipt or credit card statement showing you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-ZPass from another state in New York?

Yes. E-ZPass accounts from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and other participating states work on New York tolled roads. However, you'll pay the out-of-state rate, which is usually higher than the in-state rate. If you live in New York and drive tolls regularly, opening a New York E-ZPass account saves money.

What if I lose my E-ZPass transponder?

Contact your E-ZPass service center or call 1-800-333-8655 to report it lost. You'll be charged a replacement fee (usually $25 to $35) and a new transponder will be mailed to you. Until you receive the new one, tolls will be charged to your account by license plate, and you may be billed processing fees.

Do I have to use E-ZPass or can I always pay cash?

Most facilities still accept cash, but some have moved to all-electronic tolling where cash is not an option. Check the specific facility's website before you drive. If you use tolls frequently, E-ZPass is cheaper and faster, but it's not legally required at most locations.

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

Transponders usually arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you open an account. Some service centers can issue a temporary transponder on the spot if you open an account in person. Check the E-ZPass website for service center locations near you.

Can I dispute a toll charge on my E-ZPass bill?

Yes. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact your E-ZPass service center with details of the charge (date, time, facility, and amount). They can review the transaction and issue a credit if there was an error. Keep your monthly statements so you can identify disputed charges quickly.