E-Z Pass

[cpaharley2008]

Looking into purchasing an E-Z Pass transponder for toll roads. I realize they are not the most picturesque routes, but sometimes time constraints require a direct approach. The toll savings, at least in Pennsylvania are substantial, close to 30% and the need to save "cash" for the toll booth minimized. Is there a downside to using this system for towing?

[h2owmn]

In Calif, an additional fee for the trailer is charged by the axle.

[pstyer]

We've used EZ-pass in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida with no problems. (Most of Florida is not on EZ-Pass, but the turnpike does recognize the transponder) The web page states that any vehicle over nine feet will be charged as a vehicle plus trailer. I've only been charged a couple of times. The height detectors must not be working or they don't detect the fiberglass!

[skiman]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Looking into purchasing an E-Z Pass transponder for toll roads. I realize they are not the most picturesque routes, but sometimes time constraints require a direct approach. The toll savings, at least in Pennsylvania are substantial, close to 30% and the need to save "cash" for the toll booth minimized. Is there a downside to using this system for towing?

We went to Nova Scotia last year and should of had it. Lots of times would have saved time and maybe money. Going with it to North Carolina through West Virginia did not seem to help on cost but was convenient. There does seem to be an issue when towing versus not towing. Some websites says its automatic. I think some toll booths have equipment to count axles and some do not. I seem to remember reading about people having issues depending on the road. Switching between vehicles sounds a bit hazy too depending on the road. Others might chime in. Florida seems to use a different system. All in all sounds like the way to go.

[padlin]

The only issues I've had with EZ-Pass is on the NY Thruway where it didn't recognize it so I got fined the full fare, and driving around Orlando where the required pass varies from town to town. A few take the EZ-pass but most do not and being a tourist you have no idea which.

Last I knew, the PA EZ-Pass costs $3 a year each but the NY version is free. MA used to be $25 so I got the PA version. Been a while so things may have changed.

[MikeS]

You may want to check out NCQuickpass. It works in all the EZ pass states, plus NC,FL,GA. No monthly/annual fee if used once a year if I remember correctly.

You can purchase online and have it shipped to your door.

[Steven M]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Looking into purchasing an E-Z Pass transponder for toll roads. I realize they are not the most picturesque routes, but sometimes time constraints require a direct approach. The toll savings, at least in Pennsylvania are substantial, close to 30% and the need to save "cash" for the toll booth minimized. Is there a downside to using this system for towing?

In Illinois the tollway authority doesn't give any discount to travel trailers, they pay the same price as medium trucks. Where a toll for a car with I-Pass is .75 it may be $3.75 . They have a very take it or leave it attitude. If the car toll is higher then .75 the toll with your trailer will be higher then the $3.75 . Now it is my understanding the the Indiana Toll Road is the same, no discount for trailers, in fact there is no discount for out of state vehicles, at least there hasn't been in any in quite awhile using my I-Pass, E-Z Pass users from other states may be different.

[fudge_brownie]

The other advantages of the EZ Pass is avoiding the long lines at the pay toll booths, much less the slowing and stopping to pay. In Illinois the "open road tolling" makes the toll booth painless, except in the pocketbook. I also have the SunPass for Florida and some of their booths require you pass through at 25 mph, still better than standing in line.

The other big advantage of a transponder is exiting at those locations that have unmanned toll booths. They require exact change.

The North Carolina option is a nice choice. I believe there is a bit of an up charge for the "dual" transponder, like total cost is $20. A transponder in Illinois is $10 and it is shipped to you. If your travels include Florida and Georgia (SunPass) this is the transponder to have. I believe it has only been available in the past two years.

[rbryan4]

My method is simpler: avoid toll roads, and generally, states that delight in them... [emoji33]

[fudge_brownie]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

My method is simpler: avoid toll roads, and generally, states that delight in them... [emoji33]

I think that is easier said than done, particularly if you live in certain areas. The Chicago area and a good portion of Illinois is almost impossible to live in or travel frequently without a pass. The same is true for Orlando. My limited experience out east tells me the same, especially close to the coast where bridges are frequently crossed with a toll charge.