West Virginia is home to various toll roads, bridges, and tunnels that can confuse travelers unfamiliar with the state’s toll system. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of tolls in West Virginia, how to pay them, and tips for avoiding penalties and fines.
Types of Tolls in West Virginia
West Virginia has two main types of tolls: electronic tolls and cash tolls. Electronic tolls are collected via E-ZPass or Video Tolling, while cash tolls are collected at manned toll booths.
E-ZPass Tolls
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping at a toll booth. E-ZPass is accepted on the West Virginia Turnpike, the West Virginia Parkways, and the Wheeling Tunnel. To use E-ZPass, drivers must have an E-ZPass account and an E-ZPass transponder installed in their vehicle.
To set up an E-ZPass account, visit the E-ZPass West Virginia website and select “Create an Account.” You’ll need to provide your personal and vehicle information and choose a payment method (credit/debit card or bank account). Once your account is set up, you’ll be mailed an E-ZPass transponder, which you’ll need to install in your vehicle.
When you approach an E-ZPass toll plaza, the transponder in your vehicle will automatically deduct the toll from your E-ZPass account. If you don’t have enough funds in your account, the transponder will beep, and you’ll need to add funds to your account before you can continue through the toll plaza.
Video Tolling
Video Tolling is an electronic toll collection system that uses cameras to capture the license plate of vehicles that pass through toll plazas without an E-ZPass transponder. Video Tolling is used on the West Virginia Turnpike, the West Virginia Parkways, and the Wheeling Tunnel.
If you pass through a toll plaza without an E-ZPass transponder, the cameras will capture your license plate and the toll will be billed to the vehicle’s registered owner. To pay a Video Toll bill, visit the West Virginia Parkways website and select “Pay Video Toll.” You’ll need to provide your license plate number and the date of the toll transaction to pay your bill.
Cash Tolls
Cash tolls are collected at manned toll booths on the West Virginia Turnpike and the Wheeling Tunnel. Drivers can pay cash tolls with exact change or with a credit/debit card.
Tips for Paying Tolls in West Virginia
- Set up an E-ZPass account before you travel: E-ZPass is the most convenient way to pay tolls in West Virginia, so it’s a good idea to set up an account before you hit the road.
- Ensure your E-ZPass transponder is properly installed: If your transponder isn’t correctly installed, it won’t be able to read the toll plaza’s sensors, and you’ll be charged a Video Toll.
- Keep an eye on your E-ZPass account balance: If you’re using E-ZPass, ensure you have enough funds to cover the tolls you’ll be paying. If your account balance is low, you’ll be prompted to add funds before passing through the toll plaza.
- Pay Video Tolls as soon as possible: If you’re charged a Video Toll, make sure you pay it as soon as possible to avoid penalties, and fines. If you wait too long to pay, the toll may be increased and you may also be charged additional fees.
- Have an exact change or a credit/debit card ready when approaching cash toll booths: If you’re paying a cash toll, make sure you have the same amount or a credit/debit card ready. Toll booth operators may not have change on hand, and some cash toll booths may not accept credit/debit cards.
- Keep track of your tolls: If you’re traveling through multiple toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, it can be easy to lose track of how much you’ve paid in tolls. Keep a record of the tolls you’ve paid, the date and time of the toll, and the location of the toll plaza. This will help you keep track of your expenses and assist you if you are billed for a toll you have already paid.
- Be aware of peak hours: Some toll plazas may experience heavy traffic during peak hours, which can result in long wait times. Try to plan your travel around these times to avoid delays.
Avoiding Toll Penalties and Fines at West Virginia
- Pay your Video Toll bills on time: If you’re charged a Video Toll, make sure you pay it within the timeframe specified on the bill to avoid penalties and fines.
- Don’t drive through toll plazas without paying: If you go through a toll plaza without paying, you’ll be charged a Video Toll and may also be subject to penalties and fines.
- Don’t tamper with or remove your E-ZPass transponder: If you tamper with or remove your E-ZPass transponder, you may be subject to penalties and fines. Additionally, if you’re caught driving through a toll plaza without an E-ZPass transponder, you may be charged a Video Toll.
In conclusion, paying tolls in West Virginia can be a bit confusing, but with the correct information and preparation, it can be a smooth process. By understanding the different types of tolls and how to pay them, keeping track of your tolls, and avoiding penalties and fines, you can make your travels through West Virginia as stress-free as possible. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about tolls in West Virginia, feel free to reach out to the West Virginia Parkways Authority for assistance.