E-ZPass Amnesty Program (2026 Guide) | How to Reduce Toll Fines & Fees

Unpaid toll notices piling up? You might owe far less than those letters are threatening. E-ZPass amnesty programs let you settle overdue violations at a fraction of the original cost, and in 2026, more states than ever are offering serious relief.

This guide breaks down exactly what is available, state by state, and shows you how to take advantage of it before the window closes.

Your 2026 Toll Relief Cheat Sheet

Not sure where to start? Here is a quick-reference summary of every state in the network. Find your state, see what is available, and jump to that section for the full details.

What Is an E-ZPass Amnesty Program?

Before we get into the state-by-state breakdown, it helps to understand what amnesty actually means in the tolling world.

An E-ZPass amnesty program is an official relief period during which toll authorities agree to waive or heavily reduce the administrative fees and penalties attached to unpaid tolls. You still pay the base toll amount. But those $50 to $100 per-violation administrative fees? Gone or dramatically cut down.

These programs exist because the math works out better for everyone. Toll agencies spend real money chasing down unpaid violations through collections agencies and court processes. When debts pile up, many drivers simply cannot afford to pay and give up entirely. Amnesty programs recover funds that would otherwise never come in.

Here is the key thing to understand:

The state wants the base toll. The penalty fees are mostly a collection tool. Amnesty is when the state trades those penalties for guaranteed payment.

How Bad Can Toll Debt Actually Get?

The numbers can shock people, so let us look at a real example before we go any further.

Say you missed 10 toll transactions worth $3 each. That is $30 in actual tolls. Without amnesty, administrative fees in many states run $25 to $100 per violation.

And that is a conservative example. In states like Pennsylvania, a single $3.00 toll can grow into a $150.00 liability within four months once interest and civil penalties kick in. That is not a typo. 😬

The 2026 E-ZPass network now covers 19 states across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest. Each state runs its own fine structure and its own amnesty rules, which is why this guide covers each one separately.

New York: A Legislative Mandate for Permanent Amnesty

New York enters 2026 with the most robust legislative framework for toll relief in the nation. This is not just a temporary grace period. It is a formal legal requirement.

The 2026 Cashless Tolling Amnesty Act (Senate Bills S2245 and S7278)

The New York legislature passed two bills that require toll authorities to establish formal amnesty windows. Senate Bill S2245 and Senate Bill S7278 cover the New York State Thruway Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Here is what the program offers:

• A six-month window to pay outstanding base tolls in full
• 100% waiver on all associated violation fees
• Applies to the NY Thruway, MTA bridges and tunnels, and Port Authority crossings
• Active through January 1, 2026, with ongoing relief provisions for those already in the system

The legislation was a direct response to the billing transparency issues on the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, where thousands of residents ended up with five-figure debts for minor toll infractions. The state acknowledged that collecting 100% of the base toll is better than trying to collect 500% in penalties that people cannot pay.

New York S1948: Low-Income Relief Program

New York also runs a separate targeted program for low-income residents through Senate Bill S1948.

To qualify, residents must be enrolled in SNAP, WIC, or Section 8 housing. The billing threshold alone is a huge benefit. The state waits until your debt reaches $30 before even sending a bill, which saves enormous administrative overhead for both sides.

Contact: New York State Thruway Authority

New Jersey: $500 Million in Commuter Relief

New Jersey took a different angle on toll relief in 2026. Rather than a traditional amnesty window, the state focused on reducing the ongoing burden for daily commuters through a massive direct subsidy program.

The 2026 NJ Toll Relief Program (Senate Bill S129)

Senator James Holzapfel sponsored Senate Bill S129, which created a temporary but significant relief program for heavy E-ZPass users.

Who qualifies:

• Private E-ZPass account holders
• Must record 35 or more qualifying transactions per transponder in a calendar month
• Transactions must occur on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway
• Fines and penalties do not count toward the 35-transaction threshold

What you get:

• A 50% credit on the total toll amount paid that month
• Funded through a $500 million state appropriation
• Designed as an offset to rising gasoline taxes and inflation

New Jersey Is Ditching Hard-Case Transponders in 2026

This is a big practical change that will affect anyone with an older E-ZPass device in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is transitioning entirely to chipped sticker tags by the end of 2026. Traditional hard-case transponders have batteries that eventually die. Dead batteries cause missed reads, and missed reads generate violation notices even when you have a valid account.

Sticker tags use passive technology powered by the overhead gantry signal, which eliminates battery failure entirely.

Additional benefits of the switch:

• No $25 deposit required for new sticker accounts
• Lower barrier to entry for new users
• First-time administrative fees automatically waived if you switch to a sticker account

Contact: New Jersey E-ZPass Customer Service

Pennsylvania: The Strictest State in the Network

Pennsylvania operates the most punitive enforcement regime in the entire E-ZPass network. This is not hyperbole. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has the power to suspend your vehicle registration, and they use it.

That said, Pennsylvania also offers some of the most flexible payment plan structures if you act before things escalate.

Pennsylvania’s 132-Day Enforcement Timeline

Under Act 112 of 2022, the PTC can suspend registrations for “habitual offenders,” defined as those with four or more unpaid invoices or $250 in total debt.

The fastest way to stop this process is to call 877-736-6727 and select Option 5 for Customer Service. You can negotiate a payment plan that immediately pauses the escalation.

Pennsylvania’s 2026 Recovery Model

Despite the strict enforcement, Pennsylvania recorded a 10% increase in past-due toll recovery between 2024 and 2025. The state is using a “carrot and stick” approach:

• The stick: The Pennsylvania Attorney General now files civil collection actions against violators owing over $12,000
• The carrot: “Redemption” settlements are available for those who can prove financial hardship

If your debt has already reached collections, contact the PA Turnpike Commission directly at paturnpike.com. Acting early and calling to request a payment plan is your best move in Pennsylvania.

Massachusetts: The Most Progressive Reform in 2026

Massachusetts made headlines in early 2025 by passing the “Road to Opportunity Act” with 78% bipartisan voter support. This legislation fundamentally changed how the state handles toll debt.

House Bill H3795: Payment Plan Protections

The biggest change under H3795 is straightforward. Massachusetts now prohibits license suspensions for non-safety violations, including unpaid E-ZPass fees. Your license cannot be suspended just because you owe toll money.

Beyond that, the law created a formal payment plan structure with real consumer protections:

Monthly payment plan details:

• Available to anyone owing $250 or more
• Minimum monthly payment is capped at $25
• Once you enroll, no additional late fees or penalties can be added to your existing debt
• If your license was already suspended for toll debt, it must be reinstated upon your first payment

Digital notification requirements:

The Registry of Motor Vehicles must now send text and email notifications about unpaid debt. This directly addresses the problem of drivers who never received paper notices due to address changes or mail issues.

Contact: EZDriveMA

Illinois: I-PASS Assist and Rolling Amnesty

Illinois takes a proactive approach to toll relief by preventing debt from forming in the first place. The I-PASS Assist program targets low-income households before they accumulate violations.

I-PASS Assist Eligibility

The program uses a secure web portal linked to the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Department of Revenue to verify eligibility instantly.

Income limits for 2026 (250% of Federal Poverty Level):

What I-PASS Assist provides:

• The standard $10 transponder deposit is waived completely
• Initial prepaid balance reduced from $20 to just $4
• Existing invoice fees dismissed upon enrollment
• Effectively acts as a “rolling amnesty” for low-income residents

Illinois also ran a broader Tax Amnesty Program in late 2025 that allowed the settlement of various state-related debts without penalties. The Illinois Tollway is now exploring a unified platform for residents to clear all state-held administrative debt at once.

Contact: Illinois Tollway I-PASS Assist

Virginia: Targeted Hampton Roads Relief

Virginia’s 2026 toll relief is geographically focused on Hampton Roads, one of the most toll-heavy regions in the country. Under the 2026 to 2028 Biennium Budget Bill (HB30), Virginia committed $48 million toward a permanent toll relief fund.

Who Qualifies for Virginia HB30 Relief

The program targets drivers using the Elizabeth River Tunnels, which connect Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Eligibility requirements:

• Annual income below $50,000
• Must reside in Norfolk or Portsmouth

What eligible drivers receive:

• A free E-ZPass transponder and a prefunded account balance
• A 50% rebate on tolls paid
• The rebate can combine with existing programs to reach a 100% rebate on up to 14 trips per week
• The “Redemption of Debt” provision applies relief funds to outstanding balances from the Elizabeth River Crossings

Contact: E-ZPass Virginia

Maryland: Permanent Rate Incentives Instead of Amnesty

Maryland does not have a formal amnesty program active in 2026. However, it runs a permanent pricing structure that functions as ongoing financial relief for drivers who switch to E-ZPass.

Maryland’s Toll Rate Comparison

The MDTA charges “Video Toll” rates (triggered when a license plate is photographed without a transponder) at roughly 1.5 to 2 times the E-ZPass rate.

Maryland also waives the $1.50 monthly maintenance fee for out-of-state accounts if you cross a Maryland facility three times in a statement period.

The fastest fix for outstanding Maryland video toll debt: Visit an “E-ZPass On-the-Go” retail location, purchase a transponder, and convert your existing debt to the lower E-ZPass rate on the spot.

Contact: E-ZPass Maryland

Florida: SunPass PRO and the Double-Charge Problem

Florida joined the E-ZPass network through SunPass PRO, but the integration has created a new and very specific problem for interstate travelers. Florida’s massive 50% toll credit program that saved drivers $500 million expired on March 31, 2025. The state has since refocused on volume-based savings.

The Double-Charge Problem in Florida

Many travelers carry both a northern E-ZPass and a Florida SunPass. If both are active in the vehicle, you risk being charged by both agencies for the same gantry crossing.

How to avoid it:

• Use an RF shield bag for your secondary transponder
• Switch to “Uni” (formerly E-PASS Xtra), which works in all 19 states with a single account

If you are already facing double-charge fines:

• Email your statements from both agencies to [email protected]
• Disputes must include documentation from both agencies

The Central Florida Expressway reinstated its Volume Savings Program, which provides automatic credits for users with 35 or more monthly transactions on CFX-owned roads. If you use E-ZPass on Florida toll roads, the CFX E-ZPass acceptance page confirms which roads are covered.

Contact: SunPass

Ohio: Max Fare Hazards and Account Hygiene

Ohio completed its “Open Road Tolling” system in 2024 to 2025, removing physical gates from E-ZPass exit lanes at 20 interchanges. The system is fully operational in 2026, but it introduced a new financial hazard called the “Max Fare” charge.

Understanding Ohio’s Max Fare

If a transponder is not detected upon entry or exit, Ohio defaults to a “Max Fare” charge, which is the highest possible toll for your vehicle class. The Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass FAQ explains the full re-rating process.

Ohio does not have an active amnesty program. However, if you received a Max Fare charge, call 440-971-2222 to request a “re-rating.” If you can provide proof of your actual entry point using an E-ZPass statement or license plate capture, the charge will be adjusted.

Ohio waives the $0.75 monthly account maintenance fee if your transponder is used for 30 or more single trips in a month. Details are on the Ohio Turnpike Commission website.

North Carolina: Flex Tags and HOV-Based Relief

North Carolina offers one of the most unique toll relief mechanisms in the network through its HOV program and the NC Quick Pass Flex transponder.

The NC Quick Pass Flex Tag

The NC Quick Pass Flex ($14.50) includes a physical switch for HOV status. When the vehicle carries three or more people and the “HOV ON” switch is active, travel in I-77 Express Lanes and several Virginia express lanes is completely free.

HOV free travel requirements:

• The vehicle must carry three or more occupants
• Set “HOV ON” status at least 15 minutes before travel via the app or physical switch

North Carolina Enforcement for Unpaid Tolls

North Carolina follows a strict escalation path for unpaid violations. After your fourth unpaid invoice, the state initiates a DMV registration hold. There is no active amnesty program in 2026, so early payment is critical.

Contact: NC Quick Pass

New England: Maine and New Hampshire in 2026

The northern states are moving in a different direction in 2026. Rather than amnesty programs, they are shifting toward resident-centric pricing that discounts local drivers and charges more for out-of-state travelers.

New Hampshire: The Out-of-State Surcharge Proposal (SB267)

In early 2026, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB267, which proposes to double toll charges for out-of-state drivers and cash payers. CBS News Boston also covered the proposal in detail.

There is no residency requirement to open a New Hampshire E-ZPass account. Out-of-state frequent travelers can open an NH account and get the resident rate, which is a smart move if you drive through New Hampshire regularly.

Maine: Sticker Tags and the Rebate Plan

Maine transitioned to sticker tags in summer 2025. The Maine Turnpike Authority does not offer a formal amnesty in 2026, but it maintains the “E-Z Discount Plan” for frequent travelers:

• 20% rebate for 30 trips per month
• 40% rebate for 40 trips per month
• Free passage for authorized emergency vehicles using a non-revenue transponder

Contact: E-ZPass Maine

Delaware: The First-Time Fee Waiver Policy

Delaware does not run a formal amnesty program, but it does maintain a well-documented internal policy that works in your favor if you act quickly after your first violation.

Delaware E-ZPass, like New York and New Jersey, applies an unofficial first-time courtesy waiver for drivers who receive their first administrative fee. The standard fee for a missed toll is typically $50. If you call the Violation Processing Center, acknowledge the missed toll, and agree to open an account or register your plate to an existing account, that fee is frequently waived entirely.

The exact steps are covered in Strategy 1 of the Universal Strategies section below.

Contact: Delaware E-ZPass Violations

Universal Strategies That Work Across All 19 States

Even if your state does not have a formal amnesty program right now, several proven approaches work across the entire network.

Strategy 1: The First-Time Courtesy Waiver

Almost every E-ZPass agency, including New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, maintains an internal policy for first-time or infrequent violations.

How to use it:

1. Call the agency’s Violation Processing Center
2. Explain that this is your first violation
3. Agree to open an account or register your plate to an existing account
4. Request a fee waiver

This works more often than people expect. Agencies frequently waive the entire $50 administrative fee for first-timers who agree to enroll.

Strategy 2: The Enrollment and Settlement Model

In states with registration suspension powers, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Massachusetts, agencies are increasingly willing to forgive $500 to $1,000 in administrative debt under the right conditions.

What you typically need to agree to:

• Enter a monthly payment plan (as low as $25/month in Massachusetts)
• Maintain a positive account balance going forward
• Register for automatic replenishment (Easy Pay)

Agencies have found that regular customers generate more long-term revenue than one-time debt collection. This shift toward “conditional forgiveness” is worth knowing about.

Strategy 3: Use the Toll Payer Advocate

New York’s Port Authority and the MTA pioneered a “Toll Payer Advocate” role, an ombudsman-style office that reviews cases where the standard appeals process has failed.

This office can help with:

• Inherited debt from a leased vehicle you no longer own
• Violations caused by identity theft
• Fines from license plate cloning

If you have exhausted normal appeal channels, this office is your next step.

Strategy 4: Dispute Incorrect Violations

You have the legal right to contest toll violations you believe are wrong. Common legitimate dispute reasons include:

• Wrong plate reads by the camera system
• Billing errors from the toll authority
• Violations on a vehicle you sold or transferred
• Double-charges caused by transponder conflicts

File your dispute through the official violation portal with supporting documentation. Keep copies of everything.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply During an Amnesty Window

If your state has an active amnesty window, here is exactly how to use it without making costly mistakes.

Step 1: Find Out What You Owe

Do not guess. Get the actual number in writing.

• Visit your state’s E-ZPass customer service portal
• Call the toll authority’s violation hotline
• Check for any DMV holds linked to your license plate

Step 2: Confirm the Amnesty Window Is Still Open

Amnesty programs have hard start and end dates. Showing up two days after the deadline means you pay full penalties. Bookmark the official toll authority page and set a calendar reminder.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You will typically need:

• Your vehicle registration or license plate number
• Driver’s license information
• Notice numbers from any violation letters
• A payment method (credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer)

Step 4: Pay Through Official Channels Only

Never pay through third-party websites that claim to process toll violations. These sites are either unnecessary or outright scams. Travelers United has documented this problem in detail. Pay only through the official state toll authority website or the number on your violation notice.

Step 5: Confirm and Save Your Receipt

After paying, get a confirmation number and save it. Follow up within a week to confirm your record reflects the amnesty settlement. Bureaucracy happens. Payments occasionally fall through administrative cracks.

How to Avoid Toll Violations Going Forward

The best amnesty program is the one you never need. 😂 Here are the most common causes of violations and how to prevent each one.

Check Your Transponder Battery

E-ZPass hard-case transponders have batteries that eventually die. A dead battery causes missed reads even when you have a valid account. Most states let you test your transponder at service plazas or through your account dashboard.

If your state offers sticker tags, switching is the cleanest long-term fix. New Jersey is making the switch mandatory by end of 2026, and Maine already rolled them out in 2025.

Set Up Auto-Replenishment

A low balance is the number one cause of violations among people who already have transponders. Set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when it drops below a set threshold.

Update Your Vehicle Registration on Your Account

When you get a new car, update your E-ZPass account immediately. A transponder registered to an old plate will not match your new vehicle in the toll system. This triggers violations even when you are using a valid transponder.

Understand Rental Car Rules

Using your personal E-ZPass transponder in a rental car usually does not work. Transponders are registered to specific vehicles. Options when renting:

• Use the rental company’s toll payment system (often expensive)
• Pay cash at manned booths when available
• Open a second account and register the rental plate temporarily

Frequently Asked Questions

Does amnesty remove the violation from my record?

Generally yes. Once you settle through amnesty, violations are marked as resolved. However, they may still appear in your toll transaction history.

Criminal or serious traffic violations are separate and are not affected by toll amnesty programs.

Will my license suspension lift immediately after I pay?

In most states, DMV holds lift within a few business days after confirmed payment. In Massachusetts, reinstating a suspended license must happen upon your first payment under the new law.

Contact your state DMV directly to confirm the hold has cleared.

Can I negotiate if the amnesty amount still feels too high?

Amnesty programs typically have fixed terms and do not negotiate individually. However, if the total is genuinely unmanageable, call the toll authority directly and ask about hardship programs.

Pennsylvania, for example, has specific financial hardship settlement options separate from the standard enforcement cycle.

What happens if I ignore toll violations entirely?

Nothing good. Ignored violations escalate to collections agencies, DMV registration holds, driver’s license suspension, and in some states, civil court actions.

In Pennsylvania, the Attorney General now files lawsuits against violators owing over $12,000. The debt does not disappear. It compounds. Dealing with it now, even outside an amnesty window, is almost always cheaper than waiting.

Time to Clear That Stack of Letters

Here is the plain truth. Toll agencies set penalty fees high because they expect most people to pay without questioning it. An amnesty program is one of the rare moments when the system actually works in your favor.

If your state has an active window right now, act during it. Pay the base toll amount. Enroll in E-ZPass if the program requires it. Save your confirmation number.

If no amnesty program is running in your state, you still have options. Call the violation hotline and ask about first-time waivers or payment plans. Enroll in E-ZPass today to stop future violations from stacking up. Set up auto-replenishment and switch to a sticker tag if your state offers one.

Toll fines are frustrating. They are also fixable. You have more options than that pile of violation letters wants you to believe.

Pavithra Vinoth

Pavithra Vinoth is the founder of nytollsinfo.com, where she simplifies U.S. toll systems through expert insights and custom-built calculators. Her research-driven tools help drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car decisions.