Skip to content

E-ZPass Invalid Tag Message

The E-ZPass is widely used in 17 states across the Midwestern and Eastern areas of the USA. Multiple lanes, tunnels, and bridges accept this toll-collection system within the network.

It was launched over thirty years ago, and since then, E-ZPass has been improving traffic.

Still, like everything in this life, the E-ZPass system has flaws. Some of them are directly related to the system. Still, you can prevent most of them from following the correct instructions. 

One of the most common toll violations is that people get an “invalid tag error,” which means the system could not read your transponder while driving through the toll booth.

Therefore, you did not pay the toll automatically.

Many people do not realize this until they get the violation notice in their mail. But why does this error happen, even if you have placed the tag correctly?

Table of Contents

What does an invalid tag mean for E-ZPass?

It’s prevalent for the E-ZPass system not to detect tags sometimes. Most of them happen through Express Lanes, where people drive at higher speeds, usually around sixty miles per hour. 

People with multiple cars tend not to install their E-ZPass correctly, and then they drive through these lanes at high speed.

Due to this, the system cannot detect it, which means you are evading the toll. Therefore, you will receive a toll violation notice after that. 

If your E-ZPass works everywhere else but the express lanes, there can be a problem with how it is mounted. If you keep it on the dash to use it in another car, that’s probably what has caused the problem. 

What can I do after I receive the toll violation notice?

You can fight it, but there are low probabilities of winning the case, especially if you admit your E-ZPass tag was not correctly mounted.

The other scenario is simply taking responsibility for your actions and paying for the total amount. 

You will have to deal with considerable expenses unless your transponder was mounted correctly and the system did not detect it as it normally should (which is not likely).

Below we list some of the reasons you are more likely to pay for it than win the case.

  • As we mentioned above, you have admitted your transponder was not installed correctly.
  • There are no excuses for a not-properly-installed transponder. Not only does the website provide a pamphlet with mounting instructions, but the E-ZPass Group also allows you to order a limited number of transponders, depending on the account type you’ve created. The accessories are also sent for free.
  • It’s your responsibility to make sure your transponder is entirely functional. If you find out your device has been malfunctioning, you can send it back to the company and order a replacement. It will be delivered to you within seven or ten business days.

As you can see, the best way to avoid this error is to make sure your device is working correctly. Otherwise, you may end up paying thousands of dollars.