E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pass through toll booths without stopping to pay. The system uses a small transponder that is mounted on the vehicle and communicates with sensors at the toll booth. When a vehicle equipped with an E-ZPass transponder passes through the booth, the toll is automatically deducted from the driver’s account.
While this system makes toll payment much easier and more convenient, it also requires drivers to maintain a sufficient balance in their E-ZPass account to cover their tolls. If the account runs low, drivers are expected to add funds as soon as possible to avoid incurring toll violations. But how much is an E-ZPass toll violation, and what penalties can drivers expect to face if they neglect to add funds in time?
Cost of an E-ZPass Toll Violation
The cost of an E-ZPass toll violation varies depending on the location, the type of toll road, and the number of violations. In most cases, a toll violation will cost more than the toll itself. For example, if a driver passes through a toll booth and their E-ZPass account balance is insufficient to cover the toll, they will incur a toll violation fee of around $50.
This fee is added to the cost of the toll, and the driver will be required to pay the total amount to resolve the violation. If the driver does not resolve the violation, additional fees will be added, and the driver may even be required to appear in court to face further penalties.
Penalties for E-ZPass Toll Violations
The penalties for E-ZPass toll violations can vary depending on the state, but most states have similar systems in place to enforce toll violations. Some of the common penalties for E-ZPass toll violations include:
- Administrative fees: The first penalty for an E-ZPass toll violation is an administrative fee. This fee is added to the cost of the toll and covers the cost of processing the violation. The administrative fee is usually around $50, but it can vary depending on the state.
- Late fees: If a driver does not resolve their E-ZPass toll violation within a certain time frame, late fees will be added to the cost of the toll. These fees are added to the cost of the toll and administrative fees, and they can range from $5 to $10 per day.
- Suspension of license: In some cases, if a driver neglects to resolve their E-ZPass toll violations, their license may be suspended. This means that they will not be able to legally drive until they resolve their violations.
- Court appearances: If a driver continues to neglect their E-ZPass toll violations, they may be required to appear in court to face further penalties. This can include fines, court fees, and even jail time in some cases.
Avoiding E-ZPass Toll Violations
The best way to avoid E-ZPass toll violations is to maintain a sufficient balance in your E-ZPass account. You should add funds to your account as soon as you receive a low balance notification, or at least once a month. You can add funds to your E-ZPass account online, by phone, or in person at an E-ZPass customer service center.
If you accidentally incur an E-ZPass toll violation, you should resolve it as soon as possible. You can do this by paying the toll and administrative fee online, by phone, or in person. If you believe that you have been incorrectly charged with a toll violation, you can dispute the
charge by contacting the E-ZPass customer service center in your state. It is important to provide as much information as possible about the violation, including the date, time, and location of the toll booth, so that the customer service representative can assist you in resolving the issue.
In conclusion, the cost of an E-ZPass toll violation can vary, but it is usually higher than the toll itself. To avoid incurring toll violations, it is important to maintain a sufficient balance in your E-ZPass account and resolve any violations as soon as possible.
If you believe that you have been incorrectly charged with a toll violation, it is important to dispute the charge and provide as much information as possible to the customer service representative. By following these tips, you can avoid the cost and penalties of E-ZPass toll violations and enjoy the convenience of this electronic toll collection system.