If you’re planning on traveling on any of Virginia’s toll roads, it’s essential to know the various options for paying tolls in the state. From E-ZPass to cash payments, there are several ways to ensure you can pay the tolls you owe. In this guide, we’ll explore the different methods of paying tolls in Virginia and the pros and cons of each option.
E-ZPass: The Most Convenient Option
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows you to pay tolls automatically as you drive through them. This is the most convenient option for paying tolls in Virginia, as it eliminates the need to stop and pay with cash or a credit card.
To use E-ZPass in Virginia, you’ll need to get an E-ZPass account and load it with funds. Once you have an account, you’ll be given a small electronic device that you’ll place on your vehicle’s dashboard. As you drive through a toll, the device automatically deducts the toll amount from your account.
One of the biggest benefits of using E-ZPass is that you’ll save money on tolls. Many of Virginia’s toll roads have lower toll rates for E-ZPass users, so you’ll pay less than you would if you paid with cash or a credit card. Additionally, many toll facilities in Virginia offer discounts for frequent E-ZPass users.
The downside of E-ZPass is that you’ll need to remember to load your account with funds. If you forget, your account will be suspended, and you’ll be charged a fee to reactivate it. Additionally, you’ll need to remember to take the device off your dashboard if you’re traveling in a rental car or someone else’s vehicle.
Pay By Plate: A Good Option for Infrequent Toll Users
Pay By Plate is another option for paying tolls in Virginia. This method is similar to E-ZPass, but instead of using an electronic device, your vehicle’s license plate number is used to track your toll usage.
When you use Pay By Plate, a camera will take a picture of your license plate as you drive through a toll. The toll amount will then be billed to the vehicle’s registered owner. This method is a good option for infrequent toll users, as you don’t need to have an account or load funds onto it.
However, one downside of Pay By Plate is that you’ll typically pay a higher toll rate than E-ZPass users. Additionally, if you’re traveling in a rental car or someone else’s vehicle, you’ll need to ensure the registered owner knows they’ll be billed for the tolls.
Cash and Credit Card Payments: The Old-Fashioned Way
If you don’t want to use E-ZPass or Pay By Plate, you can still pay tolls in Virginia with cash or a credit card. Many of the state’s toll facilities have booths where you can stop and pay the toll in person.
One of the benefits of paying with cash or a credit card is that you don’t need to worry about setting up an account or remembering to load funds onto it. However, this method can be time-consuming, as you’ll need to stop and pay at each toll facility. Additionally, you’ll typically pay a higher toll rate than E-ZPass users.
How do I find out if I owe tolls in Virginia?
In Virginia, you can find out if you owe tolls by visiting the E-ZPass Virginia website and using the “Account Login” feature. You can enter your account number and password, and the website will display any unpaid tolls or fees associated with your account. If you don’t have an account, you can use the “Violation Search” feature by entering your license plate number.
You can also find out if you owe tolls by calling the E-ZPass Virginia customer service number. They will be able to check if you have any unpaid tolls or fees and provide you with information on how to pay them.
You owe a toll if you have received a bill in the mail. The bill will include the toll amount, a processing fee, and any late fees. Pay the bill as soon as possible, as you may incur additional penalties if you do not.
It’s also a good idea to check your account regularly, even if you don’t think you owe any tolls, to ensure that all tolls and fees have been properly recorded and charged to your account.
Paying tolls in Virginia is easy with the various options available. E-ZPass is the most convenient option, eliminating the need to stop and pay with cash or a credit card. Pay By Plate is a good option for infrequent toll users, and cash and credit card payments are the traditional way of paying tolls. Whichever method you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the toll rates and discounts available for each option. By understanding the different ways to pay tolls in Virginia, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.