You can pay New York tolls through E-ZPass, a toll-by-mail system, or cash at certain locations

New York tolls are collected on bridges, tunnels, and highways across the state. The fastest and cheapest way to pay is through E-ZPass, an electronic toll collection system that deducts money from a prepaid account as you drive through a toll plaza. If you don't have E-ZPass, you can pay by mail after receiving an invoice, or pay cash at a limited number of locations. Each method has different costs and timelines, so understanding your options helps you avoid late fees and extra charges.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is the cheapest option and charges lower toll rates than other payment methods, with discounts ranging from 10% to 50% depending on the facility.
  • You can set up E-ZPass online or at a customer service center, and it works across most tolled roads in New York and neighboring states.
  • If you don't pay a toll by the important date shown on your invoice, New York adds a violation fee on top of the original toll amount.
  • Cash payment is only available at a few toll plazas; most facilities now require E-ZPass or toll-by-mail payment.
  • Toll-by-mail invoices arrive weeks after you pass through a toll plaza, so budget time to pay before the due date.

How E-ZPass works and what it costs

E-ZPass is a prepaid account linked to a small electronic tag you mount on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza, the tag communicates with a reader and automatically deducts the toll from your account balance. You can set up an E-ZPass account online at e-zpassny.com or visit a customer service center in person. The account requires a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).

E-ZPass toll rates are significantly lower than toll-by-mail rates. For example, on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, an E-ZPass toll for a passenger car is $17.00, while a toll-by-mail payment is $18.75. On some facilities like the Thruway, E-ZPass customers receive discounts of up to 50% compared to cash rates. You can add money to your account online, by phone, or at a customer service center, and the system alerts you when your balance drops below a set amount.

Toll-by-mail: when you don't have E-ZPass

If you pass through a toll plaza without E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice. This invoice typically arrives 2 to 4 weeks after you pass through the toll plaza. The toll-by-mail rate is higher than the E-ZPass rate, and you must pay by the due date shown on the invoice to avoid additional fees.

You can pay a toll-by-mail invoice online at the toll authority's website, by phone, or by mail. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, or check. If you miss the payment important date, New York adds a violation fee (typically $100 or more, depending on the facility) to your bill. Multiple unpaid tolls can result in license suspension or vehicle registration holds, so paying on time is important.

Cash payment at toll plazas

Cash payment is no longer available at most New York toll plazas. The state has transitioned to all-electronic toll collection at major facilities like the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Triborough Bridge, and Thruway tolls. However, a few locations still accept cash, including some toll plazas on the Thruway during specific hours. Before planning to pay cash, check the toll authority's website or call ahead to confirm whether your specific toll plaza accepts it.

If you do pay cash, keep your receipt. Some toll plazas issue receipts that serve as proof of payment, which can help if there's a dispute later. Cash toll rates are typically the highest of all payment methods, so E-ZPass or toll-by-mail is usually more economical.

Understanding toll rates and discounts

New York toll rates vary by facility, vehicle type, and payment method. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles all have different rates. E-ZPass customers receive the lowest rates, toll-by-mail customers pay a higher rate, and cash customers (where available) pay the highest rate. Some facilities also offer discounts for frequent users or off-peak travel times.

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, for example, charges $17.00 for E-ZPass passenger cars, $18.75 for toll-by-mail, and previously charged $19.00 for cash (though cash is no longer accepted there). The Thruway charges different rates depending on the distance traveled and your payment method. You can find current toll rates on the New York State Thruway Authority website or the MTA Bridges and Tunnels website, depending on which facility you're using.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you receive a toll-by-mail invoice and don't pay by the due date, New York adds a violation fee to your account. This fee is separate from the original toll and can range from $100 to $250 or more, depending on the facility and how long the toll remains unpaid. The toll authority will send you additional notices, and if you continue to ignore them, the state can suspend your driver's license or place a hold on your vehicle registration.

If you believe you received an invoice in error—for example, if your vehicle was stolen or you have a legitimate dispute—you can contest the toll. Contact the toll authority that issued the invoice and provide documentation of your claim. The process for contesting varies by facility, so check the toll authority's website for specific instructions.

E-ZPass across state lines

E-ZPass works on tolled roads in New York and neighboring states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. If you have a New York E-ZPass account and travel to another state's toll road, your account will be charged at that state's E-ZPass rate. This makes E-ZPass convenient for regional travel, but rates vary by state and facility.

If you travel frequently across state lines, you may want to set up an E-ZPass account in the state where you travel most often, or use a multi-state E-ZPass account. Check the E-ZPass website to see which states participate and whether your account works in the states you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, E-ZPass accounts from other states work on New York toll roads. Your account will be charged at New York's E-ZPass rate. If you live in another state but travel to New York frequently, you can set up an account with your home state's E-ZPass program, or open a New York account if you prefer.

What if I don't receive a toll-by-mail invoice?

If you passed through a toll plaza without E-ZPass and didn't receive an invoice within 4 to 6 weeks, the toll authority may not have been able to read your license plate clearly. Check the toll authority's website to see if you can look up unpaid tolls by license plate, or contact customer service directly. Some tolls may eventually appear on your registration renewal or driver's license records.

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

Yes, you can request a refund of your E-ZPass account balance if you no longer need the account. Contact the E-ZPass customer service center where you opened your account, or visit e-zpassny.com. Refunds are typically processed within 4 to 6 weeks and are issued to your original payment method.

Do I need a separate E-ZPass account for each vehicle?

Yes, each vehicle needs its own E-ZPass tag and account. However, you can manage multiple accounts under one login on the E-ZPass website, which makes it easier to monitor and fund all your vehicles from one place.

What if my E-ZPass tag is damaged or lost?

Contact your E-ZPass customer service center to report a damaged or lost tag. You can request a replacement tag, which typically arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime, your account remains active, but tolls will be charged as toll-by-mail (at the higher rate) until your new tag arrives and is activated.