As someone who works with E-ZPass every day, maybe I can help to clear up some common misconceptions. Please understand that this is NOT an attack on anyone’s intelligence, but 95% (or more) of the problems motorists have with the system can be prevented by simply paying attention.
First, when one decides one wants to have an account...READ the application, along with the rules. This is a contract! The vast majority of folks who apply tear off and fill out the application, leaving the pamphlet containing all the rules with which one is agreeing by signing the application laying on the counter.
Second, KEEP YOUR VEHICLE INFORMATION UP TO DATE! 99% of the accountholders who receive vehicle violations do so because they purchased new vehicles or otherwise changed license plates and failed to update the vehicle information on their accounts. Even trailer plates need to be added. If it’s not in the system, e-zpass doesn’t recognize it. Contrary to popular belief, the license plate is only imaged when the device fails to read. For accountholders, it is a backup system only. For non-accountholders, this enables ezpass to bill the owner of the vehicle for the toll. If you borrow someones car, add it to your account. There is no limit to the number of vehicles your account can have, or whether you must own the vehicle added.
Third, KEEP THE FUNDING INFORMATION UP TO DATE! If your account is funded by automatic credit card replenishment, be sure to update this information if it changes. Your credit card co./bank does not update this for you. If your card is expired in your wallet, it’s expired in the system. If you have the auto-replenishment method, and receive a “low balance” notice, this should be a “light-bulb” flipping on! How would this happen other than a problem with your card?! Check into it immediately; the problem will not solve itself. Even for those who have “a 10K limit” on their card. All this means is that when the computer attempted to re-bill, there was a problem. Don’t take it personnally.
Other FYI: In Maryland the reason for speed limits at the toll booths is because there are personnel who have to cross these lanes...whether it’s collectors, maintenance crews, or police officers. Those of you who are determined to “zip” right through may someday have to live with the fact you’ve injured or even killed someone. Yes, this has happened.
In Maryland, ezpass can be used at any OPEN toll lane. If there is a red light above it, it’s CLOSED. Red still means “don’t go there” or “stop”. Green lights are open cash lanes; flashing yellow means ezpass only. Many folks seem to have a problem figuring this out. Other states may have other rules; this is what signage is for. I’ve found that many people just don’t read road signs anymore.
If you are paying cash, make sure the light is GREEN before you proceed after paying. This is your signal that the payment has been processed. If the light is RED, it still means stop, just like any other red light. A huge number of people toss the money at collectors and just hit the gas, thereby receiving a nasty-gram claiming non-payment of toll. Toll systems are now computerized; if you shoot off too quickly the computer is going to think you didn’t pay.