Your State-by-State E-ZPass Guide

Nothing kills the road trip vibe quite like fumbling for exact change at a toll booth when all you want is to keep the adventure rolling. E-ZPass has transformed highway travel across the eastern United States, but here’s the catch, each state has its own rules, fees and money-saving secrets that can make the difference between a budget-friendly journey and an expensive lesson in toll booth economics.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or an epic cross-country adventure, understanding these state-by-state differences means you’ll spend more time soaking up highway views and less time stressed about unexpected fees. Here’s your complete breakdown of E-ZPass strategies for every state on your route, so you can focus on what really matters—the open road ahead.

Delaware: First State, Smart Savings

Delaware’s system requires a larger upfront investment with a $25 deposit and $25 minimum balance requirement, but the automatic enrollment in frequent user plans makes it worthwhile for regular travelers. Hit 30+ trips on SR-1 or US-301 within any 30-day period and enjoy 50% discounts, perfect for travelers exploring the Delaware beaches or using the state as a corridor to other destinations. Stay alert for text scams claiming E-ZPass violations; Delaware only communicates through their official website, customer service centers, or their verified phone line.

Florida: Sunshine State Simplicity

Florida now accepts E-ZPass on all toll roads and bridges, making your journey through the peninsula seamless. The best part? No extra fees from Central Florida Expressway Authority roads beyond the actual tolls. If you’re carrying both E-ZPass and a Florida transponder like SunPass, keep only one active to avoid double-charging mishaps. Consider the portable SunPass PRO ($14.95 + tax) that works in Florida and all E-ZPass states. It’s perfect for rental cars or switching between vehicles during your Florida adventure.

Georgia: Peach State Express Innovation

Georgia joined the E-ZPass family while keeping their beloved Peach Pass branding, giving you access to express lanes throughout the network. What makes Georgia unique is their dynamic pricing on express lanes. Ttolls fluctuate based on demand with a $0.10 per mile minimum, so you’re paying for speed when traffic gets thick. The I-85 and I-75 express lanes are completely electronic with no cash option, making your Peach Pass or other accepted transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, E-Pass, Quick Pass) essential for accessing these time-saving routes. Register your transponder properly and enjoy the flexibility of Georgia’s growing express lane network.

Illinois: I-Pass Savings on the Prairie

Illinois drivers hit the jackpot with their I-Pass system. You’ll save a whopping 50% on Illinois Tollway tolls compared to cash rates, making those Chicago-area drives much more budget-friendly. The new sticker tags eliminate deposit fees entirely, and you can open an account with just $4 through the I-PASS Assist program. Remember, each vehicle needs its own sticker tag since they’re not transferable, but the savings make it worth the small investment. Missed a toll? Use the Pay By Plate feature within 14 days to avoid fines, but this only works on the Illinois Tollway system.

Indiana: Hoosier State Highways

Indiana requires a non-refundable $15 deposit and $1 monthly fee per transponder, but keeps the minimum balance low at just $2.50 after your first 90 days. The system replenishes automatically at $2.50 or 25% of monthly usage to a minimum $10 balance. Proper transponder mounting is crucial. Customer service interventions for improperly mounted devices cost $1 each time. It’s a small system detail that keeps your costs predictable and your travel uninterrupted.

Kentucky: Bluegrass State Bridges

Kentucky’s RiverLink system covers the Louisville-Southern Indiana tolled bridges with a $20 minimum balance for personal accounts covering up to four vehicles. The sweet spot comes after your 40th crossing in any calendar month. You’ll unlock 50% discounts on all remaining crossings that month, perfect for frequent travelers between Kentucky and Indiana. While out-of-state E-ZPass transponders work on these bridges, only local RiverLink transponders qualify for the frequent-user discount. Commercial accounts require $20 per vehicle, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with multiple vehicles or larger rigs.

Maine: Pine Tree State Perks

Maine keeps E-ZPass affordable with $10 interior tags or $17 exterior license plate tags, requiring just a $20 minimum balance to get started. The Volume Discount Program is where Maine shines. Rack up 30+ trips monthly on the Maine Turnpike and enjoy 20-40% discounts that only Maine E-ZPass holders can access. Out-of-state E-ZPass users pay regular rates, so if you’re planning extensive Maine exploration, establishing a Maine account pays off quickly. You can easily transfer tags between similar vehicle types as your road trip needs change.

Maryland: Old Line State Benefits

Maryland offers free interior transponders (exterior ones cost $33) and waives the $18 annual fee for non-residents if you use your transponder just three times per billing period within the state. Maryland residents enjoy no monthly or annual fees at all, while everyone gets 10-37.5% discounts off cash rates at Maryland toll facilities. Your account automatically replenishes when it hits $10, keeping you moving without interruption. The frequent commuter plans offer additional savings for regular Bay Bridge or other facility users.

Massachusetts: Bay State Bargains

Massachusetts keeps it simple with no yearly fees, no deposits for interior tags, and just a $20 minimum balance requirement. You’ll save 10-25% on toll fees, with specific discounts at iconic locations like the Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels (55¢ off) and Tobin Bridge (30¢ off). Special resident rates apply for certain Boston-area neighborhoods at specific facilities, potentially offering significant savings for locals. The automatic replenishment system keeps your balance at $20 when it drops below $10.

Michigan: Great Lakes Connectivity

Michigan’s E-ZPass coverage is more limited but strategically placed. You’ll find it accepted on the Liberty and Independence Bridges in Bay City, making your Great Lakes exploration smoother. Here’s the important heads-up: the iconic Mackinac Bridge connecting Michigan’s peninsulas is NOT on the E-ZPass system, so keep cash handy for that memorable crossing. Your NC Quick Pass, Ohio E-ZPass, or other network transponders work seamlessly where Michigan accepts electronic tolling. While Michigan’s toll infrastructure is smaller than other states, the interoperability means your existing transponder keeps working as you explore the Wolverine State.

Minnesota: North Star State Innovation

Minnesota’s switchable E-ZPass tag is perfect for road trippers who sometimes travel solo and sometimes with passengers, toggling between individual and HOV settings for Express Lane access. During peak hours (6-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays), solo drivers pay while carpools travel free, but outside these times, everyone rides free in E-ZPass lanes. Start with $25 prepaid, and if you’re upgrading from an old MnPASS tag for out-of-state travel, allow 48 hours for activation in other E-ZPass states.

New Hampshire: Live Free or… Pay Less

New Hampshire offers flexible options with $7.40 windshield tags, $13.49 license plate tags, or a $0.50 monthly leasing option for occasional users. Maintain six weeks’ worth of tolls or a $30 minimum, whichever is higher, and enjoy 30% discounts off cash rates, a benefit exclusive to New Hampshire E-ZPass holders. Other states’ transponders pay full cash rates on NH facilities, so consider a New Hampshire account if you’re spending significant time in the White Mountain State. Purchase online, by phone, or at walk-in centers for immediate activation.

New Jersey: The Garden State’s Toll Strategy

New Jersey keeps things straightforward but watch those fees. You’ll pay a $1 monthly membership fee plus potentially another dollar bimonthly for printed statements. The smart move? Stick with electronic statements and enjoy exclusive discounts on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway that out-of-state E-ZPass holders can’t access. Keep that $25 minimum balance topped up, and if you’ve racked up violations, take advantage of the Toll Violation Amnesty Program running through November 2025 for a 25% reduction. Your future self will thank you for avoiding those $50 late fees that can really add up on a long trip.

New York: Navigate the Empire State Like a Pro

New York’s E-ZPass system varies depending on where you snag your tag. Expect to pay $25-30 upfront, but here’s the kicker: that full amount gets credited back to your account once you’re registered. Monthly fees depend on your issuing agency, with Port Authority tags costing $1 monthly while NY State Thruway and MTA tags are completely free by state law. Register your license plate as backup protection and explore those discount plans for frequent commuters or specific bridge crossings. The Pay-Per-Trip option is perfect for occasional travelers who don’t want to maintain a prepaid balance.

North Carolina: Tar Heel State Freedom

North Carolina’s NC Quick Pass system is a road tripper’s dream. Free sticker tags that work across 19 states, including all E-ZPass territory plus Florida and Georgia. You’ll save 35-50% on North Carolina tolls, and the system plays nice with E-ZPass, SunPass, and Peach Pass for seamless interstate travel. The NC Quick Pass Flex ($14.50) is your ticket to free HOV travel on I-77 Express Lanes with 3+ occupants and certain Virginia express lanes, just flip the switch to “HOV ON.” After 12 consecutive months without toll activity, you’ll pay $1 monthly, but that’s easily avoided with regular travel.

Ohio: Turnpike Savings Worth the Stop

Ohio delivers impressive value with average savings of 33% on the Ohio Turnpike, and even out-of-state E-ZPass users get this discount rate. You’ll need $25 per transponder to start, plus a $3 activation fee, with a monthly $0.75 fee that disappears if you make 30+ trips on the Ohio Turnpike in any given month. The flexibility here is fantastic. You can use your Ohio E-ZPass in rental cars or while towing a trailer, just remember to temporarily add these vehicles to your account. It’s a small step that prevents violation headaches later.

Pennsylvania: Keystone State Value

Pennsylvania Turnpike travelers enjoy substantial 35% discounts off cash rates, making long-distance travel across the state much more affordable. The system requires a $10 refundable deposit per transponder (waived for credit/debit auto-replenishment) and charges a modest $3 annual fee. Your account replenishes to $35 when it hits $10 or less with automatic replenishment, or $15 with manual replenishment. Plan accordingly based on your travel frequency. The Pennsylvania Turnpike spans the entire state, so these savings add up quickly on coast-to-coast journeys.

Rhode Island: Ocean State Opportunities

Rhode Island charges $10 for interior tags or $15 for exterior tags as purchase prices, not deposits, with free email statements after the first year. Maintain a 6-week travel balance with a $25 minimum per transponder, replenishing when you hit $10 or less. The standout benefit is the RIR-RI Resident Discount Plan offering 40% savings on the scenic Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, perfect for exploring Rhode Island’s coastal attractions. The replenishment system uses either $25 or your 6-week average, whichever keeps you moving smoothly.

Virginia: Old Dominion Express Lane Mastery

Virginia offers some of the most sophisticated express lane options in the E-ZPass network, with the special E-ZPass Flex transponder unlocking toll-free HOV travel on certain Express Lanes when you meet occupancy requirements. Set that switch to “HOV ON” with qualifying passengers and cruise past solo drivers paying peak pricing on I-495, I-95, and I-66 corridors. Always register your license plate as backup. If your transponder isn’t read, you’ll still get E-ZPass rates instead of violation notices with administrative fees. Virginia’s express lanes are dynamic and complex, but mastering the system saves serious time and money navigating the busy Washington D.C. metro area.

West Virginia: Mountain State Value Plans

West Virginia offers one of the most unique deals for frequent travelers with their Single Fee Discount Plan. Pay $25 per transponder plus a $13 issuance fee, and you get unlimited West Virginia Turnpike access for an entire year. For standard accounts, you’ll maintain a $10 minimum balance with $20 replenishment, but the key advantage is using a WV E-ZPass account for better discounts compared to other states’ transponders. Cash is accepted at toll plazas, but electronic payment keeps you moving smoothly through those mountain passes.

Ready to Roll Without the Toll Booth Blues

Now you’re armed with the insider knowledge that transforms toll plazas from budget-busting roadblocks into seamless checkpoints on your adventure. Whether you’re chasing autumn leaves through New England, exploring the smoky mountains of Appalachia, or cruising down to Florida’s sun-soaked beaches, you’ll breeze through every state with confidence and cash still in your pocket.

The open road is calling, and those toll booths won’t slow you down anymore. Pick your route, grab the right transponder for your journey, and get ready to discover that the best part of any road trip isn’t just the destination, it’s every mile of freedom in between. Safe travels, and may your E-ZPass balance never hit zero when adventure calls.