Understanding E-ZPass: The Most Widely Used Electronic Toll Collection System

Before deciding on the right electronic toll collection solution for your fleet, it's important to explore your options. 

Drivers have been using E-ZPass since the late 1980s and early 1990s, beginning in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Now, E-ZPass is a common toll collection system used in vehicles throughout the eastern portion of the United States, with its network expanding westward into the Midwest. 

What Is E-ZPass?

E-ZPass is one of the most popular electronic toll collection solutions used on tolled roads, bridges and tunnels throughout the following states:

1. Minnesota
2. Illinois
3. Indiana
4. Ohio
5. Kentucky
6. West Virginia
7. Maryland
8. Pennsylvania
9. New York
10. New Hampshire
11. Maine
12. Massachusetts
13. New Jersey
14. New York
15. Delaware
16. Virginia
17. North Carolina
18. Florida

Georgia is also joining the E-ZPass Network in the near future. Drivers can use E-ZPass in these states to pay tolls electronically. They don't have to stop or pay cash. Instead, they can stay moving, enhancing convenience, saving valuable time and boosting driver efficiency on major U.S. highways.

E-ZPass is a widely popular toll collection solution amongst today's drivers. In fact, about 87% of motorists in Pennsylvania currently use it.

How Does an E-ZPass Work?

E-ZPass works using a transponder, often mounted on the inside of a vehicle's windshield near the rearview mirror. When a driver passes through an eligible toll lane equipped with E-ZPass technology, the device transmits a signal to the toll plaza equipment.

The toll plaza equipment then reads the signal and directly charges the driver's E-ZPass account. The driver can simply keep going through the toll lane without having to stop and pay manually, as the entire transaction is completed automatically and electronically. 

An E-ZPass account is paid for in advance and links to a credit card or bank account to pay additional charges as needed.  

What Is an E-ZPass Transponder?

A transponder is a small electronic device that communicates with toll plaza equipment as vehicles pass through the lane. It is powered by a small battery and leverages radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to emit a signal and automatically deduct the toll charge from the vehicle's E-ZPass account. 

Each transponder has a unique identification number that links to that account, ensuring the correct vehicle is charged. Most people mount their E-ZPass to the inside of their front windshield to optimize signal transmission. 

Frequently Asked Questions About E-ZPass

Check out the most commonly asked questions about using an E-ZPass below:

1. Can You Use the Same E-ZPass in Different Cars?

Yes. You can register up to four different vehicles of the same class for one transponder on your E-ZPass account. You can easily add and remove vehicles online. However, you cannot share or borrow a device from another person on a separate account or with an individual who does not have an E-ZPass. 

2. What if You Forget Your E-ZPass Transponder?

The answer depends on the state and tolling authority. 

If you forget to put an E-ZPass in your vehicle before traveling on a tolled highway, you will need to contact the appropriate tolling authority to see if there is anything you can do to avoid unnecessary payments. 

If the tolling authority leverages toll-by-plate technology, they may be able to charge the E-ZPass account associated with your vehicle. 

3. What Does Toll-By-Plate Mean?

Toll-by-plate is a toll collection method that enables vehicles to pass through toll lanes without stopping to make a manual payment or requiring a transponder like an E-ZPass. 

Toll-by-plate technology captures photos of each vehicle's license plate and mails the bill directly to the vehicle's registered owner. It is a convenient alternative and does not require drivers to keep track of a physical device.

4. How Can You Find Out Which Tolling Agency Issued Your E-ZPass?

Drivers can acquire an E-ZPass from various tolling authorities according to the state. If you need to determine which agency issued your transponder to get assistance or dispute a payment, check the physical device. It should feature the agency name, address and phone number in addition to a unique serial number. 

5. Who Is E-ZPass Best For?

E-ZPass offers greater convenience to drivers, allowing them to forgo stopping and paying tolls as they travel. Its main purpose is to simplify this process and save time. Since E-ZPass is self-managed, it is best suited for individuals driving personal vehicles and is not ideal for commercial vehicles or fleets. 

With E-ZPass, customers are responsible for resolving any issues regarding billing or payment disputes with the appropriate tolling authority on their own. This process is too time-consuming and inefficient for commercial businesses, especially those with multiple drivers navigating various tolled highways every single day. 

How E-ZPass Pairs With Bestpass to Streamline Toll Management

If you're looking for the best toll management solution for your commercial fleet, check out Bestpass E-ZPass coverage. 

Bestpass will save your company time and money by streamlining all your toll management responsibilities in one robust platform. As a service or trucking fleet manager, you can leverage our nationwide software to simplify toll payments and enjoy advanced reporting capabilities. These features help facilitate effortless and optimized tolling operations. 

Advantages of E-ZPass Coverage With Bestpass

Bestpass E-ZPass coverage offers many advantages for trucking companies operating throughout the eastern portion of the U.S.:

• Simplified reporting: The Bestpass portal features advanced analytics to help you gain insight into your drivers' toll spending by vehicle or business unit. Your company can enjoy greater visibility into tolling expenses and which routes are most cost-effective for better overall budgeting and management.  
• Toll-by-plate: You can get E-ZPass with Bestpass toll-by-plate coverage, helping your drivers avoid violations when traveling outside of E-ZPass territory. Bestpass makes your operations more convenient and makes tracking tolling expenses by truck effortless. 
• Excellent customer service: Resolving toll bill issues is easier than ever with the help of the tolling experts at Bestpass. Our experienced customer service team will handle all the ongoing back-and-forth with tolling authorities to fix any problem with your toll bill so you can focus on your business. 

Request a Demo of the Toll Management Software From Bestpass Today

If you're interested in streamlining toll management for your entire fleet, turn to Bestpass. 

With our comprehensive toll road coverage software for trucking and service fleets and top-notch customer service, toll management has never been easier. You will save valuable time and money with our 24/7 customer portal and access to our commercial toll experts. Bestpass helps you optimize fleet efficiency with the best transponder strategy for your drivers. 

Are you ready to start improving your toll experience? Request a demo from Bestpass to learn which plan is right for your operation.