Posted on 01/01/2014 6:19:19 AM PST by RKBA Democrat
The zone of state toll systems that are part of E-ZPass now stretches far beyond the New York metropolitan area where it began. Now you can use your E-ZPass in toll-zapping booths in 14 states, a vast road-trip zone stretching from Virginia to Illinois to Maine. It’s all a compatible system, but different states set their own fees to issue the transponders and maintain your account.
What not all consumers know is that you don’t have to buy your pass from the state where you live, and you can save money by ordering from across the border. Whether this is a good idea or not depends on where you live, and on where you drive.
Jonathan, a Maryland resident who is the proud new owner of three FastLane devices from Massachusetts, writes:
The opening of a new highway in the Maryland suburbs outside of Washington DC will probably drive many, many citizens in the area to purchase the toll road EZPass. EZPass is the device that is linked to your credit card, and once placed in your windshield, allows you to drive right through a toll booth without stopping. The toll is then automatically applied to your credit card.
The same EZPass device you put in your car can be used on highways in over a dozen states in the northeast. Most people will purchase EZPasses through their home state. But what most people don’t know is that you don’t have to buy the EZPass in the state you live. This is important to know because each state charges a different amount for the exact same device. For example, Maryland charges a non-refundable fee of $21 per transponder, and a $1.50 per month account maintenance fee. At the other end of the spectrum, Massachusetts charges neither of these fees.
I live in Maryland, obtained 3 devices from Massachusetts, and had them in less then a week. No fees, no monthly charges. Sweet.
NOTE: All states require a “pre-paid” amount, usually around $20 to be placed on your credit card. Once the amount in your account dips to something like $10, then the credit card is charged, bringing your account back to the set minimum.
Whether this is a good idea for you depends on where you live, where you drive, and whether your local highway system offers discounts on certain routes to holders of their own tag. Some states charge a monthly fee for the tag, but offer discounted tolls. For example, the tolls from my house to Consumer Reports headquarters run $11.80 if I pay cash, but $11.21 with an E-ZPass. That’s couch-cushion money at first glance, but adds up if you travel toll roads frequently.
Do your research first, and know your own driving habits: even those fees might balance out.
Gov’t surveillance.
“Gov’t surveillance.”
Probably. But it can be done more easily and thoroughly by using digital cameras to identify license plates. And there are a whole lot more cameras on highways than there are toll roads.
You might find this of interest.
I live in Colorado but travel with an EZpass in my bag for rental cars who over charge to use theirs.
EZPass ping!
Bull$&!t
I already pay taxes at the gas pump and when I buy Tags/Inspection/oil/ATF and Tyres!
F a bunch of pay the Troll at the bridge Roads!!!
Maybe they should have enlisted DOT and other road-related agencies to help. Of course, the DOT might also need to enlist the aid of the FCC to help with bridge maintenance, etc. This government stuff just gets so confusing.
Sleazy Pass is theft.
What Guv is to be indicted? I go to VA ON BIZZ about 4 times a year.
I have an EZPass (usually locked away in its Faraday cage) from a different state as my state doesn’t issue them.
Once ma political figure out they are lowest they are sure to raise fees.
“What Guv is to be indicted? I go to VA ON BIZZ about 4 times a year.”
Gov “Toll Booth Bob” McDonnell. Soon to be ex-governor. Got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Of course it didn’t influence his decisions (gasp, wheeze, cough).
“I already pay taxes at the gas pump and when I buy Tags/Inspection/oil/ATF and Tyres!”
And now you get to pay tolls on key roads, bridges and tunnels in VA as well!
You can thank our fine, upstanding gop governor for that one. Thank him soon, though. He’s going to be very busy trying to stay out of prison.
Nope
I just won’t come to VA and spend ANY $$$ at all.
CT did away with theirs after a fatal accident at a tollbooth. MA used to be free in western part of state and there were hopes of making the whole MA Turnpike free someday (it was supposed to be, decades ago) but now the exits that were free are being returned to tolls.
Noticed in places like PA Turnpike, etc that you could buy the EZPass at a rest area, and saw the thing about linking to credit card. I thought that if I used it enough it would be worth it, but I’m not sure I trust the credit card linking and I don’t use toll roads regularly.
I think MA will do away with toll takers and use EZPass, and for those who don’t have it, a pic will be taken of license plate and bill mailed to you.
I-89 and I-91 in Vt. are useful roads; thankfully, no tolls.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.