How to pay New York tolls

You can pay New York tolls three ways: with a toll tag (a small device mounted on your windshield that charges your account automatically), by mail after receiving a bill, or through a toll payment service online. The toll tag is the fastest method — you drive through without stopping, and the toll is deducted from your prepaid account. If you don't have a tag, the toll authority photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice weeks later.

New York operates tolls on several major crossings and highways. The MTA Bridges and Tunnels system manages tolls on the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and several others. The New York State Thruway Authority operates tolls on the Thruway itself. Each system has its own toll tag program and payment rules, though they work on similar principles.

Key Takeaways

  • A toll tag (called E-ZPass in New York) lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping, and the toll is charged to your account automatically.
  • If you don't have a tag, the toll authority photographs your plate and mails you an invoice, which you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.
  • E-ZPass accounts require a prepaid balance and a valid credit card or bank account on file for automatic replenishment.
  • Toll rates vary by vehicle type, time of day, and which crossing or highway you use, and rates change periodically.
  • You can set up an E-ZPass account online or at a customer service center, and the tag itself usually arrives within one to two weeks.

Getting an E-ZPass toll tag

E-ZPass is the official toll tag program for New York's MTA bridges and tunnels. To open an account, you visit the E-ZPass website (e-zpassny.com), provide your vehicle information (license plate, vehicle type, and state of registration), and create a login. You'll need a valid credit card or bank account for the prepaid balance and automatic replenishment.

The account itself is free to open. You choose your initial prepaid balance — most people start with $25 to $100 — and the tag ships to your address. The physical tag usually arrives within one to two weeks. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield (usually behind the rearview mirror), and your account is active. When your balance drops below a threshold you set, the system automatically charges your card to refill it.

If you prefer to set up an account in person, E-ZPass customer service centers are located at several MTA toll plazas and at the E-ZPass Customer Service Center in lower Manhattan. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and a valid credit card or bank account information.

Paying tolls without a tag

If you drive through a toll plaza without an E-ZPass tag, the toll authority photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice. The invoice arrives two to four weeks after you cross. You can pay it online through the MTA Tolls by Mail website, by phone at the number on the invoice, or by mail with a check.

Tolls by Mail payments are due within 30 days of the invoice date. If you pay online or by phone, payment is processed when ready. If you mail a check, allow extra time for it to reach the processing center. Late payments may result in additional fees and eventually a suspension of your vehicle registration, so paying on time is important.

Some drivers cross tolls infrequently and prefer to pay by mail rather than maintain an E-ZPass account. This works fine as long as you pay each invoice on time. However, if you cross tolls regularly, an E-ZPass account saves money — most tolls are discounted for tag holders compared to the Tolls by Mail rate.

E-ZPass toll rates and discounts

Toll rates depend on your vehicle type, which crossing or highway you use, and whether you have an E-ZPass tag. A standard passenger car crossing the George Washington Bridge, for example, costs less with E-ZPass than without. Rates also vary by time of day on some crossings — peak hours (typically weekday mornings and evenings) may have higher tolls than off-peak times.

The MTA adjusts toll rates periodically, usually every few years. Current rates are posted on the E-ZPass website and the MTA Tolls by Mail site. Trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle types have different rates. If you're unsure which category your vehicle falls into, check your vehicle registration or call the E-ZPass customer service line.

E-ZPass holders also receive discounts on some crossings. For example, frequent crossers may be may be able to access for a discount plan that reduces the per-toll cost after a certain number of crossings in a month. These programs change, so check the E-ZPass website for current offers.

Managing your E-ZPass account

Once your account is open, you can log in to e-zpassny.com anytime to check your balance, view your crossing history, update your payment method, or change your automatic replenishment settings. If your balance is running low and you're about to make a long trip, you can manually add funds to your account through the website or by phone.

If your tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling customer service. A replacement tag usually arrives within one to two weeks. If your tag is damaged but still readable, you may be able to continue using it until the replacement arrives.

If you move to a different state or sell your vehicle, you should update your account information. If you no longer need your E-ZPass account, you can close it online or by phone. Any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method.

New York State Thruway tolls

The New York State Thruway (I-87 and I-90) has its own toll system separate from the MTA bridges and tunnels. You can pay Thruway tolls with an E-ZPass tag, but you need to set up a separate account through the Thruway Authority website (thruway.ny.gov). The process is similar to the MTA E-ZPass account — you provide vehicle information, create a login, and prepay a balance.

Thruway toll rates also vary by vehicle type and distance traveled. If you use both the Thruway and MTA crossings regularly, you'll need accounts with both systems (though you can use the same E-ZPass tag for both if you set it up that way). Alternatively, you can pay Thruway tolls by mail using the same Tolls by Mail system as the MTA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same E-ZPass tag on both MTA bridges and the Thruway?

Yes, if you set up your account to work with both systems. However, you need separate prepaid accounts for each system — one with the MTA and one with the Thruway Authority. The physical tag can be linked to both, but the money in each account is separate.

What happens if my E-ZPass balance runs out while I'm crossing?

Your account will go negative, and you'll receive a bill for the toll plus any applicable fees. To avoid this, set your automatic replenishment threshold low enough that your balance refills before you run out. You can also manually add funds through the website or phone before a trip.

How long does it take to receive a toll bill by mail?

Most toll bills arrive two to four weeks after you cross. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. If you need to know whether a toll was recorded, you can check the MTA Tolls by Mail website by entering your license plate number.

Is there a discount if I cross the same toll multiple times in one month?

Discount programs vary by crossing and change periodically. Some crossings offer reduced rates after a certain number of crossings in a month. Check the E-ZPass website or call customer service to see what discounts are currently available for the tolls you use most often.

What if I dispute a toll charge on my E-ZPass account?

Log into your account and review your crossing history. If you see a charge you don't recognize, contact E-ZPass customer service with the date, time, and crossing location. They can investigate whether the toll was recorded correctly and adjust your account if there was an error.