As a driver in New Jersey, you may have encountered tolls on your travels. Whether commuting to work or taking a road trip, it’s essential to know how to pay these tolls to avoid fines or penalties. This guide will walk you through the different ways to pay tolls in New Jersey, including E-ZPass, cash, and credit/debit cards.
E-ZPass: The Most Convenient Option
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping at a toll booth. If you have an E-ZPass account, a small transponder is placed on your windshield. The transponder automatically deducts the toll amount from your account as you pass through a toll.
One of the biggest benefits of E-ZPass is convenience. With E-ZPass, you can travel through tolls without stopping, saving you time and gas money. Additionally, E-ZPass customers often receive discounted toll rates.
If you’re a frequent toll user, E-ZPass is worth considering. To sign up for E-ZPass, you can visit the E-ZPass website or stop by one of the many E-ZPass Customer Service Centers throughout the state.
Cash: The Traditional Option
For those who prefer to pay with cash, toll booths are still available on many roads in New Jersey. Stop at the toll booth, pay the toll amount, and continue.
While paying with cash is a traditional option, it does have its downsides. Cash toll booths often have longer lines than E-ZPass lanes, which can cause delays. Additionally, if you don’t have the exact amount of cash, you’ll need to find a change machine or risk getting short-changed.
Credit/Debit Cards: A Convenient Alternative
For those who don’t want to carry cash or sign up for E-ZPass, credit and debit cards are now accepted at many toll booths in New Jersey. Stop at the toll booth, swipe your card, and continue.
While credit and debit cards are a convenient alternative to cash, remember that they may come with additional fees. Also, some toll booths may not accept certain cards, so it’s best to check with the toll authority before you travel.
Avoiding Fines and Penalties
It’s important to note that you may face fines and penalties if you don’t pay a toll in New Jersey. For example, driving on a toll road without an E-ZPass account may be charged a higher toll rate. Additionally, if you don’t pay a toll within 30 days, you may be issued a Violation Notice, which can result in additional fees.
To avoid fines and penalties, pay your tolls on time and correctly. If you’re unsure how to pay a toll, check with the toll authority or visit their website for more information.
Can you pay cash for tolls in New Jersey?
As of 2021, most of the toll roads in New Jersey no longer accept cash; you will need to have an E-ZPass account, or a compatible out-of-state transponder, to pay the tolls in New Jersey. If you don’t have an E-ZPass account, the state of New Jersey will mail you a bill called a “Toll-by-Plate” invoice. This bill will include the toll amount, an administrative fee, and an invoice fee. Pay the bill as soon as possible, as you may incur additional penalties if you do not.
However, some bridges, such as the George Washington Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and Goethals Bridge, still accept cash. Still, it’s best to check the official website of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the toll roads in New Jersey, for the most current and accurate information on toll payment options.
How much is the New Jersey toll?
The cost of tolls in New Jersey varies depending on the specific toll road or bridge you are using, the vehicle you are driving, and whether you have an E-ZPass account.
For example, as of 2021, the toll for a passenger vehicle to cross the George Washington Bridge using E-ZPass is $14.75. The toll for a passenger vehicle to cross the Goethals Bridge using E-ZPass is $13.75. The toll for a passenger vehicle to cross the Bayonne Bridge using E-ZPass is $13.75.
If you don’t have an E-ZPass account and cross the toll road or bridge with a cashless tolling system, you’ll get a bill in the mail with a Toll-by-Plate invoice. The invoice will include the toll amount, an administrative fee, and an invoice fee.
It’s best to check the official website of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the toll roads in New Jersey, for the most current and accurate information on toll costs and payment options. The website will have a toll calculator, which will give you the toll cost for your trip based on the point of entry and exit, the time of day, and the vehicle you are driving.
In conclusion, paying tolls in New Jersey can be done through E-ZPass, cash, or credit/debit cards. E-ZPass is the most convenient option, but cash and credit/debit cards are also accepted. Paying the tolls on time and correctly is essential to avoid any fines and penalties.