How to pay tolls on New Hampshire highways

New Hampshire tolls are collected on Interstate 89 and Interstate 93 as you travel through the state. You can pay tolls three ways: with cash at toll booths, with a prepaid account called E-ZPass, or by mail if you miss a booth. Most drivers use E-ZPass because it's faster and often costs less than paying cash at the same location.

The toll amount depends on which highway you're on, your vehicle type, and how far you travel. A passenger car on I-89 might cost $1.50 to $3.00 for a short stretch, while I-93 tolls vary by location. Trucks and vehicles with trailers pay higher rates. If you don't have E-ZPass and don't pay cash, the toll authority will mail you an invoice based on your license plate.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is a prepaid account that lets you drive through toll booths without stopping; you can set one up online or at a service center in about 15 minutes.
  • Cash payment is accepted at staffed toll booths on I-89 and I-93, though some booths may have limited hours.
  • If you don't pay at the booth or have E-ZPass, you will receive a toll invoice by mail within two weeks.
  • E-ZPass accounts work across multiple states in the Northeast, so one account covers tolls in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and other participating states.
  • You can check your E-ZPass balance and transaction history online or by phone at any time.

Setting up an E-ZPass account

To open an E-ZPass account, visit the New Hampshire Turnpike System website or call their customer service line. You'll need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a credit or debit card for the initial deposit. The deposit amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $50, depending on your vehicle type and expected usage.

After you submit your information online or by phone, you'll receive a transponder (a small device) by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Mount it on your windshield inside your vehicle, and it will automatically deduct tolls from your account balance as you pass through toll booths. When your balance drops below a certain threshold, the system automatically recharges your account using the payment method you provided.

If you already have E-ZPass from another state, you can use the same transponder in New Hampshire without opening a new account. Just make sure your account is active and has sufficient funds.

Paying cash at toll booths

Cash toll booths operate on both I-89 and I-93 at various locations throughout New Hampshire. Booth hours vary by location, but most are staffed during peak travel times. When you approach a booth marked for cash payment, slow down and have your payment ready—exact change speeds up the transaction, though attendants can make change if needed.

The toll amount is posted on a sign before the booth. If you're unsure of the correct amount, ask the attendant. Keep your receipt if you need documentation of payment for any reason, though the toll authority has no record of cash transactions after you leave the booth.

Some booths may be closed during off-peak hours or maintenance. If you encounter a closed booth and cannot pay, continue through and expect to receive a toll invoice by mail.

What happens if you don't pay at the booth

If you drive through a toll booth without paying and don't have an active E-ZPass account, the toll authority will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice. This invoice arrives within 10 to 14 days and includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. The total bill is typically $2 to $5 more than the toll itself.

Pay the invoice by the due date listed on the notice. You can pay by check, credit card, or online through the New Hampshire Turnpike System website. If you don't pay within 30 days, the toll authority may suspend your vehicle registration or refer the debt to a collection agency.

If you received an invoice by mistake—for example, you paid cash but the booth didn't register it—contact the toll authority with your receipt or other proof of payment. They can cancel the invoice if you provide evidence.

E-ZPass discounts and account management

E-ZPass holders often pay a lower per-toll rate than cash payers at the same location. The discount varies by booth and vehicle type but can save 20 to 30 percent on frequent trips. Some accounts also offer monthly caps: once you've paid a certain amount in tolls during a month, additional tolls are free for the rest of that period.

You can manage your E-ZPass account online through the New Hampshire Turnpike System portal. Log in to check your current balance, view recent transactions, update your payment method, or add additional vehicles to your account. If your transponder is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement through the same portal.

If you're leaving New Hampshire and won't use tolls for an extended period, you can suspend your account to prevent automatic recharges. When you're ready to use it again, reactivate it online or by phone.

Using E-ZPass in other states

Your New Hampshire E-ZPass transponder works at toll facilities in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. You don't need separate accounts or transponders for each state—one account covers all of them.

Toll rates and discount structures vary by state and facility. Some states offer lower rates for in-state residents, while others charge the same rate to everyone. Your account balance is shared across all states, so tolls in any state draw from the same prepaid funds.

If you travel frequently across state lines, E-ZPass is the most convenient option because you avoid stopping at multiple toll booths and don't receive separate invoices from each state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay tolls with a credit card at the booth?

Most New Hampshire toll booths accept cash only. If you want to pay by card, set up an E-ZPass account online before your trip. Some booths may accept cards during staffed hours, but this is not may provide, so don't rely on it.

What if I have a rental car—do I need my own E-ZPass?

No. Rental car companies typically handle tolls through their own accounts or bill you directly if you don't have E-ZPass. Check your rental agreement to see how tolls are handled. If you prefer to pay yourself, you can set up a temporary E-ZPass account for the rental period.

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

Standard delivery takes 5 to 7 business days after you open your account. Some locations offer rush delivery for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to 2 to 3 business days. You can drive through tolls using your license plate while you wait for the transponder to arrive.

What if my E-ZPass balance runs out while I'm driving?

Your account will automatically recharge when the balance drops below a set threshold, usually around $10. The recharge happens within 24 hours. If you're traveling and the recharge hasn't processed yet, you can still drive through—the toll will be deducted from your negative balance, and you'll be charged the next time your account updates.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my E-ZPass account?

Yes. If your account has a credit balance and you no longer plan to use tolls, you can request a refund through the New Hampshire Turnpike System website or by calling customer service. Refunds are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks.