E-ZPass is a toll payment system that lets you drive through tolls without stopping to pay cash

E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system used on highways, bridges, and tunnels across New York and the Northeast. Instead of stopping at a toll booth to hand over cash or a credit card, you mount a small transponder on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza, the transponder communicates with overhead readers, and the toll is deducted from a prepaid account you set up in advance.

In New York, E-ZPass is operated by the Tolls and Traffic Division of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for most facilities, though some bridges and tunnels have their own E-ZPass programs. You can use a single E-ZPass account across New York and in other states that participate in the E-ZPass network, which includes New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois.

The main benefit is speed and convenience — you never stop at a toll booth. A secondary benefit is that E-ZPass users typically pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay cash. For example, on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, an E-ZPass user pays less than a driver paying cash at the booth, and the difference can be substantial on frequent trips.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass requires a prepaid account and a windshield-mounted transponder; you can open an account online, by phone, or in person at an MTA Customer Service Center.
  • E-ZPass toll rates are lower than cash rates on most New York facilities, and the discount applies when ready once your transponder is active.
  • Your account is linked to a vehicle license plate, and you can add multiple vehicles to one account if you register their plates separately.
  • If your account balance falls below a certain threshold, the system automatically replenishes it from your payment method, so you do not run out of funds mid-trip.
  • E-ZPass works across multiple states in the Northeast, so a single transponder functions on tolls in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

How to open an E-ZPass account in New York

You can open an account through three routes: online at the MTA E-ZPass website, by phone at 511 (then select E-ZPass), or in person at an MTA Customer Service Center. The online route is fastest and requires a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle license plate number, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).

When you register, you will provide your vehicle's license plate and choose a payment method for tolls and account maintenance. The MTA will mail your transponder to the address you provide, typically within 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, you mount it on your windshield (usually behind the rearview mirror or on the upper passenger side of the windshield), and it becomes active when ready. You do not need to do anything else — the next time you drive through a toll plaza, the transponder will communicate with the readers.

If you need a transponder faster, some MTA Customer Service Centers offer same-day pickup. The centers are located at select locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and you can find their addresses and hours on the MTA website. Bring a valid ID and proof of vehicle registration.

Understanding toll rates and how your account is charged

E-ZPass toll rates vary by facility and direction of travel. On some bridges and tunnels, tolls are lower during off-peak hours (typically midday and late evening on weekdays, and most of the day on weekends). Peak-hour tolls are higher, usually during morning and evening rush hours. The MTA publishes a full toll schedule on its website, broken down by facility and time of day.

Your account is charged each time you pass through a toll plaza. The charge appears in your account within 24 hours, and your prepaid balance decreases accordingly. If your balance drops below a threshold (typically around $10 to $20, depending on your account type), the system automatically replenishes it from your payment method. This is called auto-replenishment, and it prevents your account from running out of funds mid-trip.

You can monitor your account balance and transaction history online through the MTA E-ZPass portal, or by calling 511. If you dispute a charge or believe you were incorrectly tolled, you can file a claim through the same portal or by calling customer service. The MTA typically investigates disputes within 30 days.

Adding multiple vehicles to your E-ZPass account

You can register multiple vehicles under a single E-ZPass account, but each vehicle needs its own transponder and license plate registration. This is useful if you own more than one car or if different household members drive different vehicles. All tolls from all registered vehicles are charged to the same prepaid account and payment method.

To add a vehicle, log into your E-ZPass account online and select the option to add a vehicle. Provide the new vehicle's license plate number and request a new transponder. The MTA will mail it to you, and you mount it on the new vehicle's windshield. Once active, tolls on that vehicle will be charged to your account just like the first vehicle.

If you sell a vehicle or no longer use it, you should remove it from your account to avoid confusion. You can do this online or by calling 511. If you forget to remove a vehicle and someone else drives it through a toll plaza, the toll will still be charged to your account because the system reads the license plate, not the transponder alone.

What happens if your transponder is lost, damaged, or stolen

If your transponder is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact the MTA when ready by calling 511 or logging into your account online. Report the issue and request a replacement. The MTA will mail a new transponder at no charge (in most cases), and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your account remains active during this time, but tolls will not be deducted until you mount the new transponder on your windshield.

If you drive through a toll plaza without an active transponder, the system will read your license plate and charge you the cash toll rate instead of the E-ZPass rate. This is called a toll-by-plate transaction. You will be charged the higher cash rate, and the toll will be added to your account. Once your new transponder is mounted and active, future tolls will revert to the E-ZPass rate.

If your transponder is stolen and someone else uses it fraudulently, report it to the MTA as soon as possible. The MTA can deactivate the old transponder and issue a new one. You are not liable for fraudulent charges if you report the theft promptly.

Using E-ZPass outside New York

Your New York E-ZPass transponder works on toll roads in eight other states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois. This is because these states participate in the E-ZPass Interagency Group, a network that allows transponders to work across state lines without re-registration.

Toll rates vary by state and facility. When you drive through a toll plaza in another state, your transponder communicates with that state's system, and the toll is deducted from your New York E-ZPass account. You do not need to open a separate account or carry multiple transponders. Your account balance and payment method remain the same across all participating states.

However, some toll facilities in other states may have different discount rates or peak-hour pricing than New York. Before taking a long trip, check the toll schedule for the specific facilities you will use. You can find this information on the websites of each state's toll authority or through the E-ZPass website.

Account maintenance, payment methods, and customer service

Your E-ZPass account requires an active payment method at all times. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. If your payment method expires or is declined, the MTA will send you a notice asking you to update it. If you do not update it within a certain period, your account may be suspended, and you will be charged the cash toll rate on your next trip through a toll plaza.

You can update your payment method, check your balance, view your transaction history, and manage your account settings online through the MTA E-ZPass portal. You can also call 511 to speak with a customer service representative. The MTA's phone lines are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (hours vary by season).

If you close your account, any remaining balance in your prepaid account will be refunded to your payment method within 30 days. You should also remove your transponder from your windshield to prevent accidental use. If you plan to stop using E-ZPass temporarily but want to keep your account active, you can request a suspension instead of a full closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between E-ZPass and toll-by-plate?

E-ZPass uses a transponder mounted on your windshield and charges the discounted E-ZPass rate. Toll-by-plate reads your license plate and charges the higher cash rate. Toll-by-plate is automatic if you do not have an active transponder, but you pay more per toll.

Can I use E-ZPass if I rent a car in New York?

Most rental car companies offer E-ZPass transponders for an additional daily fee, or you can use toll-by-plate and pay the cash rate. Ask the rental company about their toll options before you drive off the lot. Some companies charge a processing fee on top of the toll itself.

What if I drive through a toll plaza by mistake and do not have E-ZPass?

The system will read your license plate and charge you the cash toll rate. If you receive a bill in the mail, you can pay it online, by phone, or by mail. If you believe the charge was incorrect, you can dispute it through the MTA website or by calling 511.

How long does it take to receive my E-ZPass transponder?

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, visit an MTA Customer Service Center in person for same-day pickup. Some centers may charge a small expedited fee, so call ahead to confirm.

Can I transfer my E-ZPass account to someone else?

No, E-ZPass accounts are tied to the account holder's name and payment method. If you want to give your transponder to someone else, you must close your account and they must open their own. The transponder itself cannot be transferred between accounts.