How to pay tolls in New York City
New York City tolls are collected on seven bridges and two tunnels: the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly the Midtown Tunnel). You can pay tolls in three ways: with an E-ZPass transponder, by mail after receiving a bill, or through the Tolls by Mail program if you don't have E-ZPass.
E-ZPass is the fastest method — the toll is deducted automatically as you pass through, and you get a discount compared to other payment methods. If you don't use E-ZPass, your license plate is photographed, and you'll receive a bill in the mail within two weeks. The toll amount varies by bridge or tunnel and by vehicle type (passenger cars, motorcycles, heavy trucks, and buses all pay different rates).
The key difference between payment methods is cost: E-ZPass users pay the lowest rate, Tolls by Mail users pay a higher rate, and drivers who don't pay at all face penalties. Tolls are collected during all hours, seven days a week, with no free crossing times.
Key Takeaways
- E-ZPass transponders offer the lowest toll rate and deduct payment automatically as you cross; you can set one up online or at a retail location.
- If you don't have E-ZPass, your license plate is photographed and you'll receive a Tolls by Mail bill within two weeks at a higher rate than E-ZPass.
- Toll rates depend on your vehicle type and the specific bridge or tunnel; passenger car rates range but are lower with E-ZPass than without it.
- Unpaid tolls result in penalties, vehicle registration holds, and potential debt collection; paying the original toll plus penalties is cheaper than ignoring the bill.
Setting up E-ZPass in New York
E-ZPass is a transponder that mounts on your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you pass through. To set one up, visit the E-ZPass website (e-zpassny.com) and create an account, or go to a retail location like a New York State DMV office, a participating bank, or a gas station that sells E-ZPass transponders. You'll need your vehicle registration, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and a mailing address.
The transponder itself is free or costs a small deposit (usually $1 to $2), which is refunded when you return it. You set up a prepaid account and choose how much money to load onto it. When your balance drops below a certain threshold, you can set up automatic replenishment so the account refills itself. Most people link a credit card or bank account for this.
Once activated, your E-ZPass works when ready at all seven NYC bridges and tunnels. It also works at tolls throughout the Northeast if you travel to other states. You can manage your account online, check your balance, view transaction history, and update your payment method anytime.
Understanding toll rates and vehicle types
Toll rates in New York City depend on two things: which bridge or tunnel you use and what type of vehicle you're driving. Passenger cars (sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks with two axles) pay one rate. Motorcycles pay a lower rate. Heavy trucks and buses pay higher rates based on the number of axles.
E-ZPass users always pay less than drivers who don't use E-ZPass. For example, a passenger car crossing the George Washington Bridge with E-ZPass might pay $17, while the same car crossing without E-ZPass pays $18. The difference is small per crossing but adds up if you cross frequently. Some bridges have slightly different rates than others, so the exact amount varies.
Rates change periodically — the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) adjusts them, usually with advance notice. If you use E-ZPass, you'll see the current rate displayed as you approach the toll plaza. If you're paying by mail, the bill you receive will show the exact amount charged.
What happens if you don't pay a toll
If you cross a toll bridge or tunnel without paying and don't respond to the bill, the debt grows. The original toll amount is added to a penalty fee, which can be $100 or more depending on how long the bill goes unpaid. After multiple unpaid bills, the MTA can place a hold on your vehicle registration, meaning you won't be able to renew it when it expires.
Unpaid tolls can also be sent to a debt collection agency, which may report the debt to credit bureaus and affect your credit score. In some cases, the state can suspend your driver's license. The total amount owed — original toll plus penalties — grows the longer you wait to pay.
If you receive a toll bill you believe is incorrect, you can dispute it through the MTA's website or by calling their customer service line. Keep any documentation you have (photos, receipts, proof of E-ZPass payment) to support your dispute. Paying the bill promptly, even if you plan to dispute it, stops penalties from accumulating while your case is reviewed.
Tolls by Mail versus E-ZPass costs
Tolls by Mail is the automatic program for drivers without E-ZPass. When your license plate is photographed at a toll plaza, the system looks up your vehicle registration and mails you a bill. You then pay by mail, phone, or online. This method costs more per crossing than E-ZPass because you're not getting the discount.
The difference in cost per crossing is usually $1 to $2, but it adds up quickly for frequent crossers. A commuter who crosses the same bridge twice a day, five days a week, could save $40 to $100 per month by switching to E-ZPass. For occasional crossers, the savings are smaller, but E-ZPass is still the cheaper option.
Tolls by Mail bills arrive within two weeks of crossing. You can pay online at the MTA website, by phone, or by mailing a check. If you pay online or by phone, payment is usually processed within one business day. Late payments trigger penalties, so paying promptly is important even if you plan to dispute the amount.
Paying tolls if you're visiting New York
If you're renting a car or visiting New York and crossing a toll bridge or tunnel, you have two options: rent a car with E-ZPass already installed, or expect to receive a Tolls by Mail bill. Many rental car companies offer E-ZPass as an add-on service, usually for a small daily fee plus the toll amount. This is often the easiest option for visitors because you don't have to set up an account or worry about receiving a bill after you leave.
If your rental car doesn't have E-ZPass, your license plate will be photographed and a bill will be mailed to the rental car company's address. The rental company may then bill you separately, sometimes with an administrative fee on top of the toll. Check your rental agreement to understand how tolls are handled.
If you're driving your own car from out of state, you can set up a temporary E-ZPass account online before you arrive, or you can straightforward pay by mail when the bill arrives. Out-of-state drivers are treated the same as New York drivers — you'll receive a bill if you don't have E-ZPass, and the rates are the same.
Managing your E-ZPass account
Once you have E-ZPass, you can manage everything online through your account dashboard. You'll see your current balance, recent transactions, and toll history. You can add money to your account anytime, set up automatic replenishment, and change your payment method. If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your account.
If you move, update your address in your account so bills and notices reach you. If you sell your vehicle, you can transfer your E-ZPass to a new vehicle by updating your registration information online. If you no longer need E-ZPass, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.
E-ZPass customer service is available by phone, email, and through the website. If you have questions about a charge, a transaction, or your account, contact them directly rather than ignoring a bill. They can often resolve issues quickly and prevent penalties from accumulating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay tolls every time I cross a NYC bridge?
Yes, tolls are collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week on all seven NYC bridges and two tunnels. There are no free crossing times or exemptions for residents. The only exception is if you have a valid permit (such as a disability permit or emergency vehicle permit), which may may have access to you for a discount or exemption — check the MTA website for current policies.
Can I use an E-ZPass from another state in New York?
Yes, E-ZPass transponders from any state in the E-ZPass network work at NYC tolls. If you have E-ZPass from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or another participating state, you can use it to cross NYC bridges and tunnels. The rate you pay may differ slightly depending on your home state's agreement with New York, so check your statement to confirm.
What if I cross a toll bridge by accident and don't have E-ZPass?
Your license plate will be photographed and you'll receive a Tolls by Mail bill within two weeks. Pay it promptly to avoid penalties. If you believe you crossed by mistake or have a legitimate reason for not paying, contact the MTA to discuss your situation before penalties accumulate.
How long does it take to get an E-ZPass?
If you order online, your transponder is usually mailed within 5 to 10 business days. If you buy one in person at a retail location, you can set up it when ready and use it right away. Online orders take longer but are more convenient if you don't need it urgently.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my E-ZPass account?
Yes, if your account balance is positive when you close it, you can request a refund. Contact E-ZPass customer service with your account number and they'll process the refund to your original payment method, usually within two to four weeks.