New York has three main ways to pay tolls: E-ZPass, cash at toll booths, or a one-time payment by mail

Most tolls in New York are collected on bridges, tunnels, and highways run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York State Thruway Authority. You can pay as you go with cash, set up an E-ZPass account that charges you automatically, or pay a toll notice after you've driven through without paying. Which method you use depends on how often you cross tolled roads and whether you want to avoid stopping at a booth.

E-ZPass is the fastest option if you cross tolls regularly — you mount a small transponder on your windshield and the toll is deducted from your account as you pass through. If you cross tolls only occasionally, you can pay cash at a booth or pay online after receiving a toll notice in the mail. Each method has different costs and timing, so understanding your own driving patterns helps you choose the right one.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass charges you automatically and costs less per toll than paying cash, but requires setting up an account and buying or leasing a transponder.
  • Cash payment at toll booths is available at most MTA crossings, though some newer lanes accept only E-ZPass or payment by mail.
  • If you drive through a toll without paying, you will receive a notice in the mail with instructions to pay online or by check within 30 days.
  • E-ZPass rates vary by vehicle type and crossing, but are typically 25 to 50 percent lower than cash rates.
  • You can open an E-ZPass account in New York or use an E-ZPass from another state if you already have one.

E-ZPass: How to set up and use it

E-ZPass is a prepaid account linked to a small electronic transponder that you mount on your windshield. When you pass through a tolled crossing, the transponder communicates with a reader and the toll is automatically deducted from your account balance. You can open an E-ZPass account through the New York E-ZPass website or at a service center, and you'll need to provide your name, address, vehicle information, and a payment method.

The transponder itself costs money upfront — typically $25 to $35 depending on the type — and you can either buy it outright or lease it from the E-ZPass program. Once your account is active, you load money onto it and the tolls are charged as you drive. Most people set up automatic replenishment so the account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount, which means you don't have to remember to add money manually.

E-ZPass rates are lower than cash rates at most crossings. For example, a car paying cash at the George Washington Bridge costs more than a car with E-ZPass, and the difference adds up quickly if you cross regularly. If you have an E-ZPass from another state — New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or elsewhere in the E-ZPass network — you can use it in New York without opening a separate account.

Paying cash at toll booths

Most MTA-run crossings still have cash lanes where you can pay with bills or coins as you drive through. The toll amount varies by crossing and vehicle type — a passenger car crossing the George Washington Bridge costs one amount, while a truck costs more. You can find the specific toll for your crossing on the MTA website before you drive, or you'll see the amount displayed on a sign as you approach the booth.

Cash payment is straightforward but slower than E-ZPass because you have to stop and hand money to a toll collector or use a payment machine. Some newer toll plazas have reduced the number of cash lanes or eliminated them entirely, so if you rely on cash, check ahead to confirm your crossing still accepts it. A few MTA crossings now use all-electronic tolling, meaning there are no booths at all — you must use E-ZPass or pay by mail.

Paying a toll notice by mail

If you drive through a tolled crossing without paying, the toll authority will photograph your license plate and send you a notice in the mail. The notice includes the toll amount, a late fee, and instructions for paying online or by check. You typically have 30 days from the date on the notice to pay before additional penalties explore.

Payment by mail is the slowest option because you have to wait for the notice to arrive, then submit payment. However, it's useful if you occasionally cross a toll you weren't expecting or if you're visiting New York and don't have an E-ZPass. You can pay the toll notice through the MTA website using a credit card or debit card, or you can mail a check to the address listed on the notice.

If you receive multiple toll notices and don't pay them, the debt can grow and eventually affect your vehicle registration or driver's license. Paying promptly when you receive a notice avoids these complications.

E-ZPass account management and replenishment

Once you have an E-ZPass account, you can manage it online through the E-ZPass website or by phone. You can check your balance, view your toll history, update your payment method, and set up automatic replenishment. Automatic replenishment is the easiest approach — you choose a threshold balance (for example, $10), and when your account drops below that, a preset amount (for example, $50) is automatically charged to your credit card or bank account.

If you don't set up automatic replenishment, you'll need to manually add money to your account before it runs out. If your balance reaches zero while you're driving, you'll still be able to pass through the toll, but you'll receive a notice in the mail asking you to pay the toll plus a late fee. Keeping your account topped up prevents this situation.

If you move, change your vehicle, or want to close your account, you can update your information online or contact E-ZPass customer service. If you sell your car, you should remove the transponder and update your account so tolls aren't charged to you by mistake.

Toll rates and vehicle classifications

Toll amounts depend on the specific crossing and your vehicle type. The MTA classifies vehicles into categories — passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial trucks, and buses — and each category has a different rate. A passenger car and a commercial truck crossing the same bridge pay different amounts.

Rates also vary between crossings. The George Washington Bridge, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Lincoln Tunnel all have different toll amounts. E-ZPass rates are typically 25 to 50 percent lower than cash rates, depending on the crossing and vehicle type. The MTA website lists current tolls for each crossing, broken down by payment method and vehicle type.

Some crossings offer discounts for frequent users or off-peak travel. For example, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge offers a discount for drivers who cross during certain hours. Check the MTA website or call customer service to see if any discounts explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. E-ZPass is part of a network that includes New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. If you have an E-ZPass from any of these states, you can use it on New York tolls without opening a separate account.

What happens if I don't pay a toll notice?

If you don't pay within 30 days, late fees are added to the original toll amount. If you continue to ignore notices, the debt can affect your vehicle registration renewal or driver's license status. Paying as soon as you receive a notice is the simplest way to avoid these consequences.

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

Yes. If your account balance is higher than you need, you can request a refund through the E-ZPass website or by contacting customer service. The refund is typically issued to your original payment method within a few weeks.

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

Most MTA crossings still accept cash, but a growing number of lanes are E-ZPass only. Some newer toll plazas have eliminated cash lanes entirely. If you prefer to pay cash, check the MTA website before you drive to confirm your crossing still has cash lanes available.

How much does an E-ZPass transponder cost?

A transponder typically costs $25 to $35 to purchase, or you can lease one for a smaller upfront cost. The cost varies depending on the type of transponder and whether you buy or lease. Once you have a transponder, you only pay tolls — there's no monthly fee for the account itself.