New York tolls can be paid through E-ZPass, a prepaid toll tag, or by mail after you receive an invoice

New York operates tolls on most major bridges, tunnels, and highways. The fastest and cheapest way to pay is E-ZPass, an electronic tag mounted on your windshield that deducts tolls automatically as you drive through. If you don't have E-ZPass, tolls are photographed and you'll receive a bill by mail within two weeks. Paying by mail costs more because of a video toll surcharge — typically 50% higher than the E-ZPass rate.

You don't have to pay tolls at the moment you cross. The toll authority photographs your license plate, matches it to your vehicle registration, and sends an invoice to the address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles. You then have a set window to pay before penalties begin.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is the cheapest option and works automatically; you load money into an account and the tag deducts tolls as you pass through.
  • If you don't have E-ZPass, you'll receive a bill by mail, but the video toll rate is roughly 50% higher than the E-ZPass rate for the same crossing.
  • You can set up E-ZPass through the New York E-ZPass website, by phone, or at a service center, and it takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive the tag.
  • If you don't pay a toll bill within the grace period, late fees and penalties accumulate, and the toll authority can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.

How E-ZPass works and how to set it up

E-ZPass is a prepaid account linked to an electronic tag. You create an account, load money into it, and the tag automatically deducts the toll amount each time you pass through a tolled facility. The account can be set up online at www.e-zpassny.com, by calling 511 from within New York or 1-800-333-8655 from outside the state, or in person at an E-ZPass service center.

When you set up an account, you choose a payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account. You can set the account to replenish automatically when the balance drops below a threshold you choose, or you can manually add money when needed. The tag itself arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee to open an E-ZPass account, but there is a one-time tag fee, which varies by account type (standard, motorcycle, or commercial).

E-ZPass works across multiple states in the Northeast, so if you travel to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or other E-ZPass member states, the same tag works. The toll rate you pay depends on the specific crossing and your vehicle class, but E-ZPass rates are consistently lower than video toll rates for the same crossing.

Video tolls and paying by mail

If you cross a tolled facility without E-ZPass, a camera photographs your license plate. The toll authority looks up your vehicle registration with the DMV and mails an invoice to the address on file. This is called a video toll. The video toll rate is higher than the E-ZPass rate — typically 50% more for the same crossing — because it includes the cost of processing the photograph and mailing the bill.

You'll receive the invoice within two weeks of crossing. The bill shows the crossing date, location, toll amount, and a due date. You can pay online at the New York E-ZPass website, by phone, or by mail. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, or check. If you pay within the grace period (usually 30 days from the invoice date), you pay only the video toll amount. If you miss the due date, late fees begin to accumulate.

Video tolls are meant to be occasional — for visitors or drivers who cross infrequently. If you cross tolled facilities regularly, E-ZPass will save you money over time because the per-crossing rate is lower and you avoid the video toll surcharge.

Tolled crossings in New York and toll amounts

New York tolls apply to most major bridges and tunnels in and around New York City, as well as some highways upstate. The main tolled crossings include the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Whitestone Bridge, Triborough Bridge, and the Queens Midtown Tunnel. Tolls also apply on the Thruway (I-87 and I-90) and the Northway (I-87 north of Albany).

Toll amounts vary by crossing, vehicle class, and time of day. Some crossings use congestion pricing, which means tolls are higher during peak hours and lower during off-peak hours. The E-ZPass rate is always lower than the video toll rate for the same crossing. You can look up the exact toll for a specific crossing and vehicle type on the New York E-ZPass website or by calling 511.

Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with more than two axles may have different toll rates. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you may be required to use a commercial E-ZPass account, which has different rules and rates.

What happens if you don't pay a toll bill

If you receive a video toll invoice and don't pay by the due date, the toll authority adds a late fee to your bill. The late fee is typically a percentage of the toll amount or a flat fee, depending on how late the payment is. If you continue not to pay, additional penalties accumulate, and the toll authority can report the debt to a collection agency.

The toll authority can also place a registration hold on your vehicle. This means you cannot renew your vehicle registration with the DMV until the toll debt is paid. The hold applies to all vehicles registered in your name. If your registration expires while a hold is in place, you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

If you believe you received a bill in error — for example, if your vehicle was stolen or if you have a transponder malfunction — you can dispute the toll. Contact the New York E-ZPass customer service line to explain the situation and request a review. Disputes must usually be filed within a certain window from the invoice date.

E-ZPass account management and troubleshooting

Once your E-ZPass account is active, you can manage it online through your account dashboard. You can view your transaction history, check your balance, update your payment method, change your automatic replenishment settings, and add or remove vehicles from your account. If your tag is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement through your account or by calling customer service.

If your E-ZPass tag stops working — for example, if it's damaged or the battery dies — tolls will be charged as video tolls until you replace the tag. This means you'll pay the higher video toll rate and receive invoices by mail. Replacing a tag usually takes 7 to 10 business days, so it's worth reporting a problem as soon as you notice it.

If you move to a different address, update your registration with the DMV. The toll authority uses your DMV address to mail invoices, so if your address is out of date, bills may not reach you and late fees can accumulate without your knowledge.

Discounts and special E-ZPass programs

New York offers reduced toll rates for certain groups. Low-income drivers may be may be able to access for a discount E-ZPass program, though the rules and income thresholds vary. Some employers and organizations offer E-ZPass accounts to employees or members at a discount. Check with your employer or local government to see if you have access to a group program.

Frequent users can sometimes reduce their per-crossing cost by using certain payment plans or by crossing during off-peak hours. Congestion pricing means tolls are lower late at night and early in the morning, and higher during rush hours. If you have flexibility in when you cross, timing your trip for an off-peak hour can save money.

Residents of certain areas may also be may be able to access for resident discount programs on specific crossings. These programs are designed to reduce the toll burden on people who cross frequently for work or daily life. Information about resident discounts is available through the New York E-ZPass website or by calling 511.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-ZPass from another state in New York?

Yes. E-ZPass is interoperable across multiple states in the Northeast, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and others. Your tag from any E-ZPass member state will work on New York tolled facilities. The toll rate you pay is the same as a New York E-ZPass account.

What if I don't receive a toll bill in the mail?

If your address with the DMV is out of date, bills may not reach you. Check your DMV registration and update it if needed. You can also log into your E-ZPass account online to see if there are any outstanding tolls or invoices. If you believe you crossed a tolled facility and didn't receive a bill, contact customer service to inquire.

Can I dispute a toll charge?

Yes. If you believe a toll was charged in error — for example, if your vehicle was stolen or if your tag malfunctioned — contact New York E-ZPass customer service with details. Disputes must usually be filed within 30 days of the invoice date. You'll need to provide evidence, such as a police report for a stolen vehicle or documentation of the tag malfunction.

How long does it take to set up E-ZPass?

You can create an account online or by phone immediately, but the physical tag takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Until the tag arrives, you can't use E-ZPass and will be charged video tolls. If you need a tag urgently, some service centers may have tags available for same-day or next-day pickup.

What happens to my E-ZPass account if I sell my car?

Your E-ZPass account is tied to your account, not to the vehicle. You can remove the vehicle from your account and add a new one, or keep the account active and transfer the tag to another vehicle you own. The account and any balance remain yours. If you no longer own any vehicles, you can close the account.