Oklahoma is a state that has a variety of toll roads and bridges that drivers must pay to use. Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, it’s essential to know how to pay tolls in Oklahoma to avoid penalties or fines. In this blog post, we’ll go over the different ways to pay tolls in Oklahoma and what you need to know to ensure a smooth toll-paying experience.
Different Types of Tolls in Oklahoma
Before diving into how to pay tolls in Oklahoma, you must understand the different types of tolls you may encounter. The most common types of tolls in Oklahoma are electronic and cash.
Electronic Tolls
Electronic tolls, also known as “cashless tolls,” are collected automatically through electronic toll collection systems. These systems use transponders or cameras to capture a vehicle’s license plate number, and the toll is then charged to the car’s registered owner. The most common electronic toll collection system in Oklahoma is the Pikepass system.
Cash Tolls
Cash tolls are tolls that a toll booth operator collects. Drivers must stop at the toll booth and pay the toll in cash or with a credit or debit card. Cash tolls are typically found on older toll roads and bridges that haven’t been converted to electronic tolls yet.
How to Pay Electronic Tolls in Oklahoma
The most common way to pay electronic tolls in Oklahoma is through the Pikepass system. Here’s what you need to know to use this system:
- Obtain a Pikepass: To use the Pikepass system, you’ll need to obtain a Pikepass transponder. You can visit a Pikepass customer service center or sign up for a Pikepass online.
- Install the Pikepass: Once you have your Pikepass, you’ll need to install it in your vehicle. The Pikepass should be placed on the front windshield, behind the rearview mirror.
- Use the Pikepass: Once your Pikepass is installed and activated, you can pay tolls on any Oklahoma toll road or bridge that accepts the Pikepass. Drive through the toll booth, and the toll will be automatically charged to your Pikepass account.
- Check your account: You can check your Pikepass account online or by phone to view your toll transactions and account balance. You can also set up automatic replenishment so your account will automatically charge when the balance is low.
How to Pay Cash Tolls in Oklahoma
If you come across a cash toll in Oklahoma, you’ll need to pay the toll in cash or with a credit or debit card. Here’s what you need to know to pay a cash toll:
- Stop at the toll booth: When you approach a cash toll, you’ll need to stop at the toll booth and pay the toll.
- Pay the toll: You can pay the toll in cash or with a credit or debit card. Make sure to have the correct amount of money or your credit or debit card.
- Drive through the toll: Once you’ve paid the toll, you can drive through the toll and continue on your way.
Penalties for Non-Payment of Tolls in Oklahoma
You may be penalized if you fail to pay a toll in Oklahoma. The penalties for non-payment of tolls in Oklahoma can include fines, penalties, and even the revocation of your vehicle registration.
- Fines: If you fail to pay a toll, you may be penalized. The amount of the fine will depend on the toll road or bridge and the number of tolls that you have failed to pay.
- Penalties: If you fail to pay tolls, you may be subject to additional penalties, such as administrative fees or collection costs.
- Revocation of vehicle registration: In extreme cases, if you continue to fail to pay tolls, your vehicle registration may be revoked, which means you will not be able to register your vehicle until all tolls and penalties are paid.
It’s important to note that if you accidentally miss a toll, you can still pay it within a specific timeframe before any penalties are assessed. Be sure to check the toll road or bridge’s website for information on how to pay missed tolls and the deadline for payment.
Paying tolls in Oklahoma is relatively straightforward as long as you understand the different types of tolls and payment methods. By obtaining a Pikepass for electronic tolls, carrying cash or credit/debit cards for cash tolls, and keeping track of missed tolls, you can avoid penalties and fines and ensure a smooth toll-paying experience. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so check your account balance and pay any missed tolls as soon as possible.