United States Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Regional Systems & Payment 2025
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United States Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Mixed electronic and cash toll collection
Coverage: 38 states with toll facilities
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, TxTag transponders + License plate recognition
Network: 90+ tolling agencies, 12 interoperable groups, 20+ toll brands
Do I Need a Toll Pass for the United States? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a toll pass to drive on US toll roads - but you'll save significant money and time with one. The majority of US states (38 out of 50) have toll roads, toll bridges, express lanes, or other toll facilities.
Key Reality: Transponder users save 20-50% on tolls compared to cash rates. For regular interstate travel, this can save hundreds of dollars annually.
2025 Update: Most toll facilities are on the east coast. Florida has the most toll roads, followed by Oklahoma, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Turnpike remains the most expensive toll road in the world.
US Toll Costs: Current Rates
The United States operates the world's most complex toll network, with costs varying significantly by state, region, payment method, and vehicle type.
Current Toll Rates by Region (2025)
| Region | Typical Cost (Cars) | Primary System | Recent Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (E-ZPass) | $0.06-0.20/mile | E-ZPass (17 states) | PA: 5% increase, NY: Variable adjustments |
| Southeast (SunPass) | $0.05-0.15/mile | SunPass + E-ZPass | FL: Express lane expansion continues |
| Texas (TxTag) | $0.03-0.12/mile | TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag | MoPac Express: 8-cent increase Jan 2025 |
| California (FasTrak) | $0.50-9.00/trip | FasTrak statewide | Express lanes expanding to I-680, I-880 |
| Midwest (I-Pass) | $0.04-0.10/mile | I-Pass + E-ZPass | IL: O'Hare West Bypass opens 2025 |
| South-Central (PikePass) | $0.02-0.08/mile | PikePass, K-TAG | OK: 15% increase 2025, 6% annually from 2027 |
Major Toll Systems Coverage (2025)
E-ZPass States (17): Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky
Regional Systems: SunPass (Florida), TxTag/EZ TAG (Texas), FasTrak (California), I-Pass (Illinois), PikePass (Oklahoma), K-TAG (Kansas), ExpressToll (Colorado)
Toll-Free States (12): Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas, Nevada
How to Pay US Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in the United States:
1. Electronic Toll Collection Systems:
- E-ZPass: Works on 17 states, most widespread system
- SunPass: Florida + interoperable with E-ZPass as of 2021
- FasTrak: California statewide system
- TxTag/EZ TAG: Texas systems with 33% discounts
- I-Pass: Illinois + E-ZPass compatible
- Regional systems: PikePass, K-TAG, ExpressToll, others
2. Pay-By-Plate/Video Tolling:
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Bill mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Typically 25-50% higher than transponder rates
- Processing fees ($1-5) often added
3. Cash Payment (Limited):
- Pennsylvania Turnpike: Still accepts cash at main plazas
- Some New Jersey Turnpike locations
- Select upstate New York facilities
- Most other states: Converting to cashless operations
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across US toll roads, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Rate Increases:
- Pennsylvania Turnpike: 5% increase continues through 2025
- Oklahoma Turnpike: 15% increase in 2025, 6% annually from 2027
- Delaware Route 1: 25% increase approved for end of 2025
- Texas MoPac Express: 8-cent base rate increase January 2025
Technology Updates:
- Pennsylvania Turnpike: Open Road Tolling launches statewide January 2027
- Delaware River Bridge Commission: Cashless conversion completing 2025
- Enhanced license plate recognition systems deployed nationwide
- Central US Interoperability Hub expanding transponder compatibility
New Infrastructure:
- Illinois I-490 O'Hare West Bypass: Electronic toll highway opening 2025
- Texas 183A Toll: Extension to Liberty Hill opening 2025
- North Carolina I-485 Express Lanes: Expansion continuing
- California I-880/SR-237 Express Connector: Operational
State/Regional Toll Information
Northeast - E-ZPass Territory:
- New York - 15+ facilities including NYC bridges, tunnels, and Thruway
- New Jersey - Turnpike, Parkway, and multiple bridges
- Pennsylvania - World's most expensive toll road system
- Connecticut - Currently toll-free, considering restoration
- Massachusetts - Mass Pike and multiple tunnels/bridges
Southeast - SunPass & Regional Systems:
- Florida - Most extensive US toll network with 100+ facilities
- Georgia - Peach Pass system with express lanes
- Virginia - E-ZPass compatible with multiple facilities
- North Carolina - NC Quick Pass + E-ZPass interoperability
- South Carolina - Limited toll facilities
Texas - Multiple Agency System:
- Texas - 50+ toll roads with TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag systems
- Houston - Extensive network with EZ TAG
- Dallas - North Texas Tollway Authority system
- Austin - Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority
- San Antonio - Alamo Regional Mobility Authority
California - FasTrak Statewide:
- California - FasTrak system on all toll facilities
- Bay Area - Multiple bridges and express lanes
- Los Angeles - Express lanes and Orange County tollways
- San Diego - Limited toll facilities
Midwest - I-Pass & E-ZPass Compatible:
- Illinois - I-Pass system with extensive tollway network
- Ohio - Ohio Turnpike with E-ZPass compatibility
- Indiana - I-Zoom system + E-ZPass
- Kansas - K-TAG system with regional interoperability
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Cross-country trips: $50-200 in total tolls depending on route
- Northeast corridor: $20-50 daily for regular commuters
- Texas systems: $10-30 for metro area travel
- California express lanes: $2-15 per segment during peak hours
System Compatibility:
- E-ZPass: Works in 17 states, most versatile for multi-state travel
- SunPass: Now interoperable with E-ZPass (2021)
- Regional systems: Limited to specific states or regions
- Central US Hub: Expanding interoperability between CO, KS, OK, TX
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Interstate highways: Generally toll-free except in select urban areas
- State highways: Usually toll-free but significantly slower
- Google Maps "avoid tolls" option available nationwide
- 12 states remain completely toll-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive across the US without paying tolls?
Yes, it's possible to drive across the US while avoiding toll roads, but it will significantly increase travel time and may require careful route planning, especially in the Northeast corridor.
What happens if I don't pay US tolls?
When you cross an electronic toll plaza without a valid toll pass, cameras register your license plate and send a bill to the vehicle owner via the Video toll or Pay-By-Bill system. Additional fees may apply.
Do electric vehicles pay tolls in the US?
Some states offer HOV lane access for electric vehicles, but toll rates are generally the same as for gasoline vehicles. Check specific state regulations for details.
Can I use credit cards for US tolls?
Yes, you can pay US tolls with credit cards, but not at most toll facilities directly. You can recharge your toll tag or transponder using a credit card, or pay missed tolls later using a credit or debit card.
How do truck tolls work in the US?
Commercial truck toll rates are typically calculated based on axle count, weight, and vehicle classification. Use the TollGuru calculator to get accurate truck toll estimates.
United States vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Mixed electronic/cash | $0.02-0.20/mile | 38 states |
| Canada | Limited electronic | $0.05-0.15/mile | Few toll facilities |
| Mexico | Cash + electronic | $0.08-0.25/mile | Major highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- New York - Empire State toll network
- Florida - Sunshine State toll system
- Texas - Lone Star State toll roads
- California - Golden State toll facilities
- Pennsylvania - Keystone State turnpike
- New Jersey - Garden State toll system
- Illinois - Prairie State tollways
- Ohio - Buckeye State turnpike
Major Toll Agencies:
- E-ZPass Group: 1-800-333-8655 - Multi-state customer service
- Florida's Turnpike: 1-800-353-7277 - SunPass support
- Texas Department of Transportation: 1-800-558-9368 - TxTag support
- California FasTrak: 1-877-229-8655 - Statewide customer service
- Pennsylvania Turnpike: 1-800-331-3414 - Turnpike information
