Discover how much tolls cost on the George Washington Bridge, including E-ZPass rates and cash payments. Understand late fees and avoid toll scams.

Toll Payment Methods

E-ZPass

E-ZPass is one of the most popular electronic toll collection systems in the United States. It’s like having a magic wand that makes tolls disappear without you needing to stop or dig for cash. Here’s how it works:

How It Works: When you drive through a toll booth equipped with an E-ZPass reader, your vehicle’s license plate is scanned, and the toll amount is automatically deducted from your account. No need to fumble for coins or worry about traffic jams at the toll booth.
Benefits: E-ZPass offers convenience and speed. It’s especially useful for frequent travelers, as it eliminates the need to carry cash or worry about running out of change. Plus, it helps reduce traffic congestion by allowing vehicles to pass through tolls quickly.
Using E-ZPass: To start using E-ZPass, you need to purchase a transponder, which is a small device that you attach to your vehicle’s windshield. Once you have the transponder, you can set up an account online or by phone. You can then add funds to your account, and the tolls will be deducted automatically as you drive through toll booths.

Toll by Plate

Toll by Plate is another method of paying tolls, but it doesn’t require any special equipment. It’s like having a personal assistant who keeps track of your tolls for you. Here’s how it works:

How It Works: When you drive through a toll booth without an E-ZPass transponder, the tolling agency takes a picture of your license plate. This information is then used to send you a bill for the tolls you’ve incurred. You can pay this bill online, by mail, or over the phone.
Benefits: Toll by Plate is great for those who don’t have an E-ZPass transponder or prefer not to use one. It’s also useful if you’re visiting an area that doesn’t support E-ZPass. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the tolls after receiving the bill, which might take some time.
Using Toll by Plate: If you receive a bill for tolls via Toll by Plate, you can pay it online through the official website of the tolling agency or by mail with a check. Make sure to include the invoice number on your payment to ensure it’s processed correctly.

Cash Payment

While cash payments are less common at toll booths, they are still an option in some areas. It’s like having a backup plan when your credit card or E-ZPass isn’t working. Here’s how it works:

How It Works: At some toll booths, you can pay with cash. This is usually indicated by a sign at the toll booth. Simply stop at the booth, take a ticket if required, and then pay the toll amount in cash.
Benefits: Cash payments are useful if you don’t have an E-ZPass transponder or if you’re running low on funds in your account. However, they can cause delays in traffic, especially during peak hours.
Using Cash Payment: If you need to pay with cash, make sure to follow the instructions at the toll booth. Some booths may require you to take a ticket before proceeding to the payment area. Always have the exact amount ready to avoid any confusion or delays.

Toll Rates

Current E-ZPass Rates

Using an E-ZPass can significantly reduce your toll costs. For instance, on the Cline Avenue Bridge, E-ZPass and I-PASS users enjoy the lowest travel rates. This is because the tolling system automatically deducts the toll from your account when you pass through the gantry, eliminating the need for cash payments or manual invoicing. In Virginia, E-ZPass users can save up to 66% on tolls, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers. The rates vary by location, but generally, E-ZPass transponders provide the most convenient and affordable way to pay tolls.

Non-E-ZPass Rates

If you don’t have an E-ZPass or I-PASS, you’ll be charged the non-E-ZPass rate. This rate is typically higher because it includes additional administrative costs for processing the transaction. For example, on the Cline Avenue Bridge, vehicles without an active transponder will receive an invoice for their travel fees within a few weeks after crossing the bridge. These invoices are mailed to the address on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the charges are based on the number of axles of the vehicle.

Late Fees

Late fees can add up quickly if you don’t manage your toll payments properly. When you use a Pay by Mail service, you might face late fees if you don’t pay the invoice on time. These fees are included in the non-E-ZPass rate and are intended to cover the extra costs associated with processing late payments. It’s essential to keep track of your toll payments and ensure your account is always up to date to avoid these additional charges. If you’re using an E-ZPass, you can set up automatic replenishment to avoid running out of funds and incurring late fees.

Scams and Alerts

Toll Scam Calls

Toll scam calls are a growing concern for drivers across the country. These calls often claim to be from toll collection services like E-ZPass or NY Toll Services, but they are nothing more than scams designed to trick you into paying fake toll charges. For instance, a recent warning from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey alerted drivers to fake calls claiming to collect tolls for ‘NY Toll Services’ using E-ZPass. If you receive such a call, it’s crucial to hang up immediately and not engage with the caller.

Warning Signs

So, how can you spot these scams? Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Suspicious Messages: Be cautious of text messages or emails claiming you have an unpaid toll invoice. These messages often include links to fake websites that aim to steal your personal and financial information.
Unverified Links: Never click on links provided in unsolicited messages. Instead, contact the toll authority directly using official contact details from their verified website.
Phishing Tactics: Scammers use phishing tactics like smishing (phishing via SMS) to create a sense of urgency. They might threaten additional charges if you don’t settle the balance quickly.
Fake Websites: Be aware of fake websites that mimic official toll collection agency sites. For example, a scam website like ncquickpasstollservices[.]com has been identified as part of a sophisticated operation targeting North Carolina toll road users.

By being aware of these warning signs, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Always verify the authenticity of any communication related to your toll payments before taking any action.

Enforcement and Penalties

Fines for Toll Evasion

When you fail to pay your toll, you might think it’s just a small mistake, but it can quickly turn into a costly affair. Each toll evasion incident comes with a hefty fine, typically ranging from $57.50 to $61.50, depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, if you didn’t pay the required toll on the 241 Toll Road in California, you’d be looking at a $61.00 fine—$57.50 in penalties plus the $3.50 toll. These fines are designed to deter drivers from skipping out on their toll payments, but they can also add up quickly if you’re not careful.

Vehicle Impoundment

In some cases, failing to pay your toll can lead to more severe consequences. If you’re a habitual offender or if you’re caught using fake or obscured license plates to evade electronic toll collection systems, your vehicle might be impounded. This was the case in a recent crackdown at the Outerbridge Crossing in New Jersey, where over 500 tickets were issued and 30 vehicles were impounded. The authorities are serious about catching those who consistently evade tolls, and impounding vehicles is one way to make sure they pay up.

Civil Litigation

If you ignore the initial fine and subsequent notices, you might face civil litigation. This could involve a DMV-hold on your vehicle’s registration, making it impossible to drive your car until the issue is resolved. In West Virginia, for example, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles can refuse to register or renew the registration of any vehicle whose owner has failed to pay tolls and associated costs. This is a serious step that highlights the importance of paying your tolls on time.

In summary, failing to pay your tolls can lead to significant fines, vehicle impoundment, and even civil litigation. It’s always best to pay your tolls promptly to avoid these penalties and ensure smooth travel.