As a resident or frequent traveler in Pennsylvania, you may have come across toll roads and bridges while driving. These tolls are used to maintain and improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about paying tolls in Pennsylvania, including the different types of tolls, payment options, and penalties for non-payment.
Types of Tolls in Pennsylvania
There are two main types of tolls in Pennsylvania: electronic and cash. Electronic tolls are collected through E-ZPass, a prepaid account that automatically deducts tolls from your account balance as you pass through the toll plaza. On the other hand, cash tolls require drivers to stop and pay the toll in cash or with a credit/debit card.
E-ZPass Tolls
E-ZPass is the most convenient and cost-effective way to pay tolls in Pennsylvania. With E-ZPass, you can save up to 25% on tolls compared to paying in cash. Additionally, E-ZPass customers can use their account on toll roads and bridges in 17 states, including Pennsylvania, making it an excellent option for frequent travelers.
To use E-ZPass, you must first set up an account and add funds. You can set up an account online, by phone, or in person at one of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Customer Service Centers. Once your account is set up, you will receive an E-ZPass transponder, a small device that attaches to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield. The transponder automatically deducts tolls from your account balance as you pass through the toll plaza.
Cash Tolls
You can still pay tolls in cash if you do not have an E-ZPass account. Cash tolls are typically higher than E-ZPass, but the exact amount will depend on the toll facility and the time of day. Stop at the toll booth and hand the toll collector the exact amount in cash or use a credit/debit card to pay a cash toll.
Payment Options
In addition to E-ZPass and cash, several other payment options are available for tolls in Pennsylvania. These include:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Many toll facilities in Pennsylvania accept credit and debit cards as payment.
- Bill by Mail: If you do not have an E-ZPass account and pass through a toll facility without paying, you will receive a bill for the toll and a service fee. You can then pay the bill online, by phone, or by mail.
- Tolls by Mail: This program allows drivers without an E-ZPass account to pay tolls in advance by mail. Mail the toll amount and your license plate number to the address provided on the Tolls by Mail website.
Penalties for Non-Payment of tolls in Pennsylvania
You may face penalties and fines if you do not pay tolls in Pennsylvania. If you have an E-ZPass account, your account will be charged a service fee for each toll not paid. If you do not have an E-ZPass, you will receive a bill in the mail for the toll and a service fee. If you do not pay the bill, you may face additional penalties, including fines and even suspension of your vehicle registration.
Paying tolls in Pennsylvania can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the different types of tolls, payment options, and penalties for non-payment, you can to use the state’s transportation infrastructure without any hassle. E-ZPass is the most convenient and cost-effective way to pay tolls, but cash and other payment options are also available.
Always have the correct amount of cash or have your credit/debit card ready when approaching a cash toll booth. And if you receive a bill in the mail for a toll, be sure to pay it promptly to avoid any additional penalties. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when paying tolls in Pennsylvania.