Difference between revisions of "south-carolina-toll-roads-palmetto-pass"
From Toll Wiki
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| − | {{DISPLAYTITLE: South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates | + | {{DISPLAYTITLE: South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates and Payment 2026}} |
| − | {{#seo:|title=South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates | + | {{#seo:|title=South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates and Payment 2026}} |
| − | {{#seo:|keywords=South Carolina tolls, Palmetto Pass, Southern Connector, I-185 | + | {{#seo:|keywords=South Carolina tolls, Palmetto Pass, Southern Connector, I-185, toll calculator, Greenville toll road}} |
| − | {{#seo:|description=Complete | + | {{#seo:|description=Complete 2026 guide to South Carolina toll roads. Southern Connector rates, Palmetto Pass information, Cross Island Parkway toll-free status. Calculate tolls now.}} |
| − | {{#canonics: https://tollguru.com | + | {{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-roads-palmetto-pass}} |
{{worldMap}} | {{worldMap}} | ||
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<div style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #dee2e6; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; padding-bottom:0"> | <div style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #dee2e6; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; padding-bottom:0"> | ||
<div style="color: #202122; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6;"> | <div style="color: #202122; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6;"> | ||
| − | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">System:</strong> Very limited | + | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">System:</strong> Very limited — one active toll road (Southern Connector, I-185); Palmetto Pass + cash + credit card<br> |
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Coverage:</strong> Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville only<br> | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Coverage:</strong> Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville only<br> | ||
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> US Dollar (USD)<br> | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> US Dollar (USD)<br> | ||
| − | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> Palmetto Pass transponders | + | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> Palmetto Pass RFID transponders, staffed cash booths, credit card terminals<br> |
| − | <strong style="font-weight: bold;"> | + | <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Operator:</strong> South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) |
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| − | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Do I Need a Palmetto Pass for South Carolina? | + | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Do I Need a Palmetto Pass for South Carolina? 2026 Update</h2> |
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No. South Carolina is largely toll-free, and the only active toll road — the Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville — accepts cash and credit card as well as Palmetto Pass. The savings with Palmetto Pass are modest ($0.20 per full trip).</p> |
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Key Reality:</strong> South Carolina | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Key Reality:</strong> South Carolina has one of the smallest toll networks in the United States. The Cross Island Parkway (US 278) became permanently toll-free on June 30, 2021, leaving only the 16-mile Southern Connector.</p> |
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2026 Update:</strong> The Southern Connector rates were last adjusted January 2, 2024. Palmetto Pass is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other out-of-state transponders. The former Cross Island toll plaza demolition project continues through 2026. No new toll roads are planned statewide.</p> |
| − | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">South Carolina Toll Costs: Current Rates</h2> | + | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">South Carolina Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)</h2> |
| − | < | + | <div style="overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 20px 0;"> |
| − | + | <table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;"> | |
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<tr> | <tr> | ||
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Vehicle Type</th> | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Vehicle Type</th> | ||
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Axles</th> | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Axles</th> | ||
| − | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Palmetto Pass</th> | + | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Palmetto Pass (Full Trip)</th> |
| − | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Cash | + | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Cash / Credit (Full Trip)</th> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
<tr> | <tr> | ||
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs</td> | ||
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">2 | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">2</td> |
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$4.30</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$4.30</td> | ||
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$4.50</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$4.50</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
<tr> | <tr> | ||
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Small | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Small trucks, large SUVs</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">3 | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">3</td> |
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$5.95</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$5.95</td> | ||
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$6.15</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$6.15</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
<tr> | <tr> | ||
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Medium | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Medium trucks</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">4 | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">4</td> |
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$7.60</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$7.60</td> | ||
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$7.80</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$7.80</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
<tr> | <tr> | ||
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Large | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Large trucks</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">5+ | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">5+</td> |
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$9.25</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$9.25</td> | ||
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$9.45</td> | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$9.45</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Individual toll plaza rates: East Plaza ($1.85 Palmetto Pass / $2.00 cash) and West Plaza ($1.85 / $2.00).</p> | |
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| − | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;">To calculate toll costs for the Southern Connector and all South Carolina toll facilities, use the TollGuru South Carolina toll calculator:</p> | |
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| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;">To calculate toll costs for | ||
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"> | <div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"> | ||
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</div> | </div> | ||
| − | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;"> | + | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">How to Pay South Carolina Tolls</h2> |
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">1. Palmetto Pass (Electronic):</strong></p> |
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | <ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | ||
| − | <li> | + | <li>Free transponder with account setup; $0.20 savings per full 2-axle trip versus cash</li> |
| − | <li> | + | <li>Works only on the Southern Connector — not compatible with other states' systems</li> |
| − | + | <li>Automatic account deduction at dedicated Palmetto Pass lanes</li> | |
| − | <li>Palmetto Pass | ||
</ul> | </ul> | ||
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2. Cash:</strong></p> |
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | <ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | ||
| − | <li> | + | <li>Accepted at both toll plazas; exact change recommended; staffed booths available</li> |
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</ul> | </ul> | ||
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">3. Credit Card:</strong></p> |
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | <ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | ||
| − | <li> | + | <li>Accepted at the mainline toll plaza; same rates as cash; major cards accepted</li> |
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</ul> | </ul> | ||
| − | < | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Note on missed tolls:</strong> Pledge to Pay forms available if you miss payment; 30-day grace period; additional fees apply after 30 days. There is no automated license plate billing system.</p> |
| − | < | + | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Recent Changes (2026)</h2> |
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | <ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;"> | ||
| − | <li | + | <li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Cross Island Parkway (US 278):</strong> Toll-free since June 30, 2021 after bonds paid off; former toll plaza demolition ongoing through 2026; route now a standard free highway</li> |
| − | + | <li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Southern Connector rates:</strong> Last adjusted January 2, 2024 with modest increases; no further changes announced for 2026</li> | |
| − | + | <li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">No new toll roads planned:</strong> SCDOT has no active proposals for additional toll facilities statewide as of 2026</li> | |
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</ul> | </ul> | ||
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> | ||
| − | <h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I | + | <h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I use E-ZPass or other out-of-state tags in South Carolina?</h3> |
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No. Palmetto Pass operates on its own system and is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, NC Quick Pass, or any other state's transponder. Cash or credit card payment is the easiest option for out-of-state visitors.</p> |
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<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Is Palmetto Pass worth it?</h3> | <h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Is Palmetto Pass worth it?</h3> | ||
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">For most users, no — the savings are $0.20 per full trip, and the pass only works on a single road. Regular commuters on I-185 may benefit from the faster dedicated lane and automatic billing convenience.</p> |
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| − | <h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;"> | + | <h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I avoid the Southern Connector?</h3> |
| − | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"> | + | <p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Yes. The Southern Connector is a 16-mile spur connecting I-85 and I-385 in Greenville. The parallel toll-free route via I-385 and SC-146 adds approximately 10–20 minutes.</p> |
| − | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">South Carolina vs. | + | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">South Carolina vs. Neighbouring States (2026)</h2> |
| − | <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse | + | <div style="overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 20px 0;"> |
| + | <table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;"> | ||
<tr> | <tr> | ||
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">State</th> | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">State</th> | ||
| − | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">System | + | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">System</th> |
| − | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;"> | + | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Tag</th> |
| − | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;"> | + | <th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Notes</th> |
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| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">South Carolina</strong></td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">1 toll road (Southern Connector)</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Palmetto Pass</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">No E-ZPass; cash/credit card accepted</td> |
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| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[https://tollguru.com/north-carolina-toll-roads-turnpike-nc-quick-pass North Carolina]</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">100% electronic; NC Quick Pass</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">NC Quick Pass (E-ZPass/SunPass compatible)</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">50% discount with NC Quick Pass</td> |
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| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[https://tollguru.com/georgia-toll-roads-express-lanes-peach-pass Georgia]</td> |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Express lanes only; dynamic pricing</td> |
| − | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Peach Pass / SunPass</td> | |
| − | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: # | + | <td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">No E-ZPass; no toll roads — express lanes only</td> |
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| − | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links & Resources</h2> | + | <h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links & Resources</h2> |
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| − | <li>[[south-carolina-toll- | + | <li>[https://tollguru.com/us-toll US Toll Guide] - Complete guide to all 37 toll states</li> |
| − | <li>[ | + | <li>[https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-calculator South Carolina Toll Calculator] - Calculate Southern Connector costs</li> |
| + | <li>[https://www.palmettopass.com Palmetto Pass Official Site] - Account setup and management</li> | ||
| + | <li>[https://www.scdot.org South Carolina DOT] - Highway information and Southern Connector details</li> | ||
| + | <li>Southern Connector Customer Service: (864) 232-0403</li> | ||
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| − | + | <a href="https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Calculate Your South Carolina Toll Cost</button></a> | |
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Latest revision as of 10:27, 11 May 2026
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Very limited — one active toll road (Southern Connector, I-185); Palmetto Pass + cash + credit card
Coverage: Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville only
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Palmetto Pass RFID transponders, staffed cash booths, credit card terminals
Operator: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
Do I Need a Palmetto Pass for South Carolina? 2026 Update
No. South Carolina is largely toll-free, and the only active toll road — the Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville — accepts cash and credit card as well as Palmetto Pass. The savings with Palmetto Pass are modest ($0.20 per full trip).
Key Reality: South Carolina has one of the smallest toll networks in the United States. The Cross Island Parkway (US 278) became permanently toll-free on June 30, 2021, leaving only the 16-mile Southern Connector.
2026 Update: The Southern Connector rates were last adjusted January 2, 2024. Palmetto Pass is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other out-of-state transponders. The former Cross Island toll plaza demolition project continues through 2026. No new toll roads are planned statewide.
South Carolina Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)
| Vehicle Type | Axles | Palmetto Pass (Full Trip) | Cash / Credit (Full Trip) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs | 2 | $4.30 | $4.50 |
| Small trucks, large SUVs | 3 | $5.95 | $6.15 |
| Medium trucks | 4 | $7.60 | $7.80 |
| Large trucks | 5+ | $9.25 | $9.45 |
Individual toll plaza rates: East Plaza ($1.85 Palmetto Pass / $2.00 cash) and West Plaza ($1.85 / $2.00).
To calculate toll costs for the Southern Connector and all South Carolina toll facilities, use the TollGuru South Carolina toll calculator:
How to Pay South Carolina Tolls
1. Palmetto Pass (Electronic):
- Free transponder with account setup; $0.20 savings per full 2-axle trip versus cash
- Works only on the Southern Connector — not compatible with other states' systems
- Automatic account deduction at dedicated Palmetto Pass lanes
2. Cash:
- Accepted at both toll plazas; exact change recommended; staffed booths available
3. Credit Card:
- Accepted at the mainline toll plaza; same rates as cash; major cards accepted
Note on missed tolls: Pledge to Pay forms available if you miss payment; 30-day grace period; additional fees apply after 30 days. There is no automated license plate billing system.
Recent Changes (2026)
- Cross Island Parkway (US 278): Toll-free since June 30, 2021 after bonds paid off; former toll plaza demolition ongoing through 2026; route now a standard free highway
- Southern Connector rates: Last adjusted January 2, 2024 with modest increases; no further changes announced for 2026
- No new toll roads planned: SCDOT has no active proposals for additional toll facilities statewide as of 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use E-ZPass or other out-of-state tags in South Carolina?
No. Palmetto Pass operates on its own system and is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, NC Quick Pass, or any other state's transponder. Cash or credit card payment is the easiest option for out-of-state visitors.
Is Palmetto Pass worth it?
For most users, no — the savings are $0.20 per full trip, and the pass only works on a single road. Regular commuters on I-185 may benefit from the faster dedicated lane and automatic billing convenience.
Can I avoid the Southern Connector?
Yes. The Southern Connector is a 16-mile spur connecting I-85 and I-385 in Greenville. The parallel toll-free route via I-385 and SC-146 adds approximately 10–20 minutes.
South Carolina vs. Neighbouring States (2026)
| State | System | Tag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 1 toll road (Southern Connector) | Palmetto Pass | No E-ZPass; cash/credit card accepted |
| North Carolina | 100% electronic; NC Quick Pass | NC Quick Pass (E-ZPass/SunPass compatible) | 50% discount with NC Quick Pass |
| Georgia | Express lanes only; dynamic pricing | Peach Pass / SunPass | No E-ZPass; no toll roads — express lanes only |
Useful Links & Resources
- US Toll Guide - Complete guide to all 37 toll states
- South Carolina Toll Calculator - Calculate Southern Connector costs
- Palmetto Pass Official Site - Account setup and management
- South Carolina DOT - Highway information and Southern Connector details
- Southern Connector Customer Service: (864) 232-0403
