New York tolls can be paid in four ways: through a prepaid account (E-ZPass), by mail after receiving an invoice, at a toll booth with cash or card, or through the Tolls by Mail program if you don't have E-ZPass

New York operates tolls on bridges, tunnels, and highways through the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York State Thruway Authority. How you pay depends on which road you use and whether you have set up an account in advance. E-ZPass is the fastest and cheapest option — it deducts tolls automatically from a prepaid account as you drive through. If you don't have E-ZPass, you can pay at a toll booth, or the toll authority will photograph your license plate and send you an invoice by mail.

The toll amount varies by location and vehicle type. Passenger cars pay less than trucks or commercial vehicles. Some tolls change based on the time of day — peak hours cost more than off-peak hours on certain roads. Understanding which payment method works for your situation and what to expect if you miss a payment can save you money and prevent penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is the cheapest way to pay New York tolls and works automatically at toll plazas and on open-road tolling sections.
  • If you don't have E-ZPass, the toll authority will mail you an invoice based on your license plate, and you must pay within a set timeframe.
  • Toll booth cash and card payments are accepted but cost more per transaction than E-ZPass rates.
  • Unpaid tolls result in late fees, vehicle registration holds, and potential debt collection action.
  • You can set up E-ZPass online or at a service center, and it works across multiple states in the Northeast.

E-ZPass: The prepaid account system and how it works

E-ZPass is a prepaid electronic toll collection system that deducts tolls automatically from your account as you pass through a toll plaza or open-road tolling point. You load money into the account in advance, and the system charges the toll amount each time you use a tolled road. The account is linked to a small transponder that you mount on your windshield — the transponder communicates with readers at the toll point and identifies your vehicle.

E-ZPass costs less per toll than paying at a booth or by mail. The discount varies by location but typically ranges from 10 to 30 percent off the cash rate. You can set up an E-ZPass account online through the MTA website or through the New York State Thruway Authority website, depending on which tolled roads you use most. You will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The transponder is mailed to you after you open the account, usually within 5 to 10 business days.

E-ZPass works on most tolled roads in New York, including the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Whitestone Bridge, the Triborough Bridge, the Henry Hudson Bridge, the Throgs Neck Bridge, and the New York State Thruway. It also works in other northeastern states, so if you travel to New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Massachusetts, your account will function there too.

Tolls by Mail and license plate invoicing

If you drive through a toll plaza without E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail. This system is called Tolls by Mail on the MTA roads and the Thruway Toll by Mail program on state roads. You will receive the invoice within 2 to 4 weeks of driving through the toll point. The invoice includes the toll amount, a due date (usually 30 days from the invoice date), and instructions for payment.

You can pay a Tolls by Mail invoice online, by phone, or by mail. The MTA accepts payment through their website or by calling their customer service line. The Thruway Authority has its own payment portal. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, or check. If you pay by check, mail it to the address on the invoice and allow extra time for processing.

Tolls by Mail invoices cost more than E-ZPass rates because you are paying the full cash toll amount rather than the discounted rate. If you use tolled roads regularly, switching to E-ZPass will reduce your costs significantly over time.

Paying at toll booths with cash or card

Some toll plazas in New York still have staffed or semi-staffed booths where you can pay directly. You can use cash or a credit or debit card. Booth payment is the most expensive option per toll because you pay the full cash rate with no discount. Booth lines can also be slow during peak hours, especially on bridges leading into Manhattan.

Not all toll plazas have open booths at all times. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, for example, has moved to all-electronic tolling and no longer accepts cash at the toll plaza — you must use E-ZPass or pay by mail. Before relying on booth payment, check the specific toll location to confirm a booth is available.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you receive a Tolls by Mail invoice and do not pay by the due date, the toll authority will add a late fee to your balance. The late fee is typically $100 or more, depending on the road and authority. If you continue not to pay, the debt can grow as additional late fees accumulate.

After 60 to 90 days of non-payment, the toll authority may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This means you cannot renew your registration with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles until the toll debt is paid. The hold applies even if you move out of state — it affects your ability to register any vehicle in New York.

If the debt remains unpaid for several months, the toll authority may refer the case to a debt collection agency. Collection agencies can report the debt to credit bureaus, which will harm your credit score. In some cases, the toll authority may file a lawsuit to recover the debt, which could result in a judgment against you and wage garnishment or bank account levies.

E-ZPass account maintenance and replenishment

E-ZPass accounts require you to maintain a minimum balance. When your balance drops below a certain threshold (usually $10 to $25, depending on your account type), the system will automatically replenish your account by charging your payment method on file. You can set up automatic replenishment when you open the account, or you can manually add funds whenever you choose.

If your account balance runs out and you drive through a toll plaza, the system will still charge you, but your account will go into a negative balance. The toll authority will send you a bill for the negative balance, similar to a Tolls by Mail invoice. To avoid this, check your account balance regularly through the E-ZPass website or app and add funds before your balance gets too low.

If you change your vehicle, you will need to update your E-ZPass account with the new vehicle's license plate and registration. You can do this online or by calling customer service. The transponder itself does not need to be replaced — it will work in your new vehicle as long as it is mounted on the windshield.

E-ZPass setup: Online, by phone, or in person

To open an E-ZPass account online, visit the MTA website (for MTA tolled roads) or the New York State Thruway Authority website (for Thruway tolls). You will need your driver's license number, vehicle registration number, and a valid credit or debit card. The online process takes about 10 minutes. After you submit your process, the system will confirm your account is open and provide a confirmation number. Your transponder will be mailed to the address on your driver's license within 5 to 10 business days.

You can also open an E-ZPass account by phone by calling the MTA or Thruway customer service line. A representative will walk you through the process and take your payment information over the phone. The transponder will still be mailed to you.

If you prefer to open an account in person, E-ZPass service centers are located at various MTA toll plazas and at the Thruway Authority office in Albany. You will need to bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method. The account will be opened on the spot, and you can pick up your transponder when ready or have it mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. E-ZPass is interoperable across the Northeast. If you have an E-ZPass account from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or another participating state, it will work on New York tolled roads. You do not need a separate New York account.

What do I do if I don't receive my E-ZPass transponder?

If your transponder does not arrive within 10 to 15 business days, contact the MTA or Thruway customer service line with your confirmation number. They can resend the transponder or issue a replacement. In the meantime, you can still use tolled roads and pay by mail.

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

Yes. If your account has a positive balance and you no longer need it, you can request a refund through the E-ZPass website or by calling customer service. Refunds are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks and returned to the original payment method.

Do I have to pay tolls if I'm driving through New York but not stopping?

Yes. Tolls explore to all vehicles that use tolled roads, regardless of whether you stop or pass through. There is no exemption for through traffic.

What if my license plate is obscured and the toll authority can't read it?

If the toll authority cannot read your plate, they may send you a notice asking you to provide proof of payment or your vehicle information. You should respond to the notice with your E-ZPass account number or payment proof. If you ignore the notice, late fees and collection action may follow.