Difference between revisions of "south-carolina-toll-roads-palmetto-pass"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE: South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates and Payment 2026}}
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{{#seo:|title=South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates and Payment 2026}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=South Carolina tolls, Palmetto Pass, Southern Connector, I-185, toll calculator, Greenville toll road}}
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{{#seo:|description=Complete 2026 guide to South Carolina toll roads. Southern Connector rates, Palmetto Pass information, Cross Island Parkway toll-free status. Calculate tolls now.}}
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{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-roads-palmetto-pass}}
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{{worldMap}}
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__TOC__
 
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== South Carolina toll roads ==
 
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South Carolina has toll roads along the two stretches:
 
  
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1. Southern Connector<br/>
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<h1 style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 10px 0; border-bottom: 3px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0">South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide</h1>
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2. Cross Island Parkway<br/>
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=== Southern Connector ===
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<div style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #dee2e6; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; padding-bottom:0">
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<html><figure class="aligncenter text-center size-full is-resized"><img "https:="" 1922w,="" 3="" 320px-southern_connector_toll_map.jpg="" 3d="" 559w="" 768w,="" 800px-southern_connector_toll_map.jpg="" alt="Toll booth locations on Southern Connector- spur route of I-85 into Greenville of South Carolina." class="wp-image-6898" https:="" images="" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px" southern_connector_toll_map.jpg="" src="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/3/3d/Southern_Connector_Toll_Map.jpg" srcset="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/3/3d/Southern_Connector_Toll_Map.jpg" thumb="" toll-wiki="" tollguru.com="" width="720"/>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">System:</strong> Very limited — one active toll road (Southern Connector, I-185); Palmetto Pass + cash + credit card<br>
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<figcaption>Toll booth locations on Southern Connector</figcaption></figure></html>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Coverage:</strong> Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville only<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> US Dollar (USD)<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> Palmetto Pass RFID transponders, staffed cash booths, credit card terminals<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Operator:</strong> South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
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Southern Connector<ref>[http://www.southernconnector.com/ Southern Connector]</ref> is spur route of I-85 into Greenville. It is a shortcut route for drivers accessing I-385 from northbound I-85. 2-axles vehicles pay $2 tolls each at the East and West plaza by cash. [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/palmetto-pass PAL PASS (Palmetto pass)] users pay $1.85 toll at both - the East plaza and the West plaza.
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Do I Need a Palmetto Pass for South Carolina? 2026 Update</h2>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No. South Carolina is largely toll-free, and the only active toll road — the Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville — accepts cash and credit card as well as Palmetto Pass. The savings with Palmetto Pass are modest ($0.20 per full trip).</p>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Key Reality:</strong> South Carolina has one of the smallest toll networks in the United States. The Cross Island Parkway (US 278) became permanently toll-free on June 30, 2021, leaving only the 16-mile Southern Connector.</p>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2026 Update:</strong> The Southern Connector rates were last adjusted January 2, 2024. Palmetto Pass is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other out-of-state transponders. The former Cross Island toll plaza demolition project continues through 2026. No new toll roads are planned statewide.</p>
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">South Carolina Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)</h2>
  
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=== Cross Island Parkway ===
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<html><figure class="aligncenter text-center size-full is-resized"><img "https:="" 1922w,="" 320px-cross_island_parkway_toll_map.jpg="" 559w="" 768w,="" 800px-cross_island_parkway_toll_map.jpg="" a="" a4="" alt="Toll booth locations on Cross Island Parkway- a toll road on Hilton Head Island joining US-278 Business road." class="wp-image-6898" cross_island_parkway_toll_map.jpg="" https:="" images="" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/a/a4/Cross_Island_Parkway_Toll_Map.jpg" srcset="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/a/a4/Cross_Island_Parkway_Toll_Map.jpg" thumb="" toll-wiki="" tollguru.com="" width="720"/>
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<figcaption>Toll booth locations on Cross Island Parkway</figcaption></figure></html>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Vehicle Type</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Axles</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Palmetto Pass (Full Trip)</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Cash / Credit (Full Trip)</th>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">2</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$4.30</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$4.50</td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Small trucks, large SUVs</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">3</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$5.95</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$6.15</td>
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</tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Medium trucks</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">4</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$7.60</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$7.80</td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Large trucks</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">5+</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$9.25</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$9.45</td>
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</tr>
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Cross Island Parkway<ref>[https://www.crossislandparkway.org/scvector/static/faq/lane.shtml Cross Island Parkway]</ref> is toll road on Hilton Head Island joining US-278 Business road. The 6.8-mile controlled-access toll road has only one interchange along its route at Marshland Drive. 2-axle vehicles pay $1.25 toll at the toll plaza and $1.00 at the Marshland Road/Spanish Wells Road interchange.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Individual toll plaza rates: East Plaza ($1.85 Palmetto Pass / $2.00 cash) and West Plaza ($1.85 / $2.00).</p>
  
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Use <strong>South Carolina Toll Calculator</strong> to calculate tolls and gas costs for both the toll roads in South Carolina.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;">To calculate toll costs for the Southern Connector and all South Carolina toll facilities, use the TollGuru South Carolina toll calculator:</p>
  
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">South Carolina Toll Calculator</button></a>
 
<a href="https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">South Carolina Toll Calculator</button></a>
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">How to Pay South Carolina Tolls</h2>
  
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''Toll rates in this section might not be updated recently. Please refer to our toll &amp; trip calculators and the Toll API for the latest toll rates. Please send us feedback if toll rates are not accurate. We will update the information immediately.''
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">1. Palmetto Pass (Electronic):</strong></p>
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<li>Free transponder with account setup; $0.20 savings per full 2-axle trip versus cash</li>
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== How are tolls calculated for trucks in South Carolina ==
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<li>Works only on the Southern Connector — not compatible with other states' systems</li>
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<li>Automatic account deduction at dedicated Palmetto Pass lanes</li>
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</ul>
  
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On both the South Carolina toll roads, trucks pay tolls based on the number of axles.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2. Cash:</strong></p>
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<li>Accepted at both toll plazas; exact change recommended; staffed booths available</li>
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</ul>
  
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Calculate tolls along the truck-compliant routes across the state of South Carolina and other regions of North America using our free Truck Toll Calculator.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">3. Credit Card:</strong></p>
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<li>Accepted at the mainline toll plaza; same rates as cash; major cards accepted</li>
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</ul>
  
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Note on missed tolls:</strong> Pledge to Pay forms available if you miss payment; 30-day grace period; additional fees apply after 30 days. There is no automated license plate billing system.</p>
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/truck-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Truck Toll Calculator</button></a>
 
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== How to pay toll in South Carolina ==
 
  
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Both the toll roads are equipped with electronic gantries in South Carolina. You can pay toll by installing a [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/palmetto-pass Palmetto Pass tag]  (popularly called PAL PASS). '''Cash is also accepted''' on both the [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/south-carolina-toll-roads-palmetto-pass#South_Carolina_toll_roads toll roads of South Carolina].
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Recent Changes (2026)</h2>
  
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However, the Video toll payment system such as '''Pay-By-Plate doesn’t exist on either of the toll roads''' in South Carolina.
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Cross Island Parkway (US 278):</strong> Toll-free since June 30, 2021 after bonds paid off; former toll plaza demolition ongoing through 2026; route now a standard free highway</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Southern Connector rates:</strong> Last adjusted January 2, 2024 with modest increases; no further changes announced for 2026</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">No new toll roads planned:</strong> SCDOT has no active proposals for additional toll facilities statewide as of 2026</li>
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</ul>
  
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
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== How to pay missed toll in South Carolina ==
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<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I use E-ZPass or other out-of-state tags in South Carolina?</h3>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No. Palmetto Pass operates on its own system and is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, NC Quick Pass, or any other state's transponder. Cash or credit card payment is the easiest option for out-of-state visitors.</p>
  
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If you already know which toll road did you travel on, please reach out to respective agency explaining your situation. Below are the contact details:
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<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Is Palmetto Pass worth it?</h3>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">For most users, no — the savings are $0.20 per full trip, and the pass only works on a single road. Regular commuters on I-185 may benefit from the faster dedicated lane and automatic billing convenience.</p>
  
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<ul><li>'''Cross Island Parkway''': If you missed paying toll while traveling on Cross Island Parkway, you can get more information on your violation and pay for it here<ref>[https://www.crossislandparkway.org/scvector/static/violations/index.shtml get more information on your violation and pay for it here]</ref>. If you have further questions, please call the Cross Island Parkway Customer Service Center at 1-888-725-8655 (in state only) or 1-843-342-6718.</li><li>'''Southern Connector''': For missed toll payments on Southern Connector, you can create an account and pay violations<ref>[https://www.southernconnector.com/payment-page.html create an account and pay violations]</ref>. If you have further questions, please call Southern Connector Customer Support at (864) 527-2150 or email at violations@southernconnector.com</li></ul>
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<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I avoid the Southern Connector?</h3>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Yes. The Southern Connector is a 16-mile spur connecting I-85 and I-385 in Greenville. The parallel toll-free route via I-385 and SC-146 adds approximately 10–20 minutes.</p>
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== What is Palmetto Pass ==
 
  
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Palmetto Pass all known as PAL PASS in South Carolina, is an electronic tag (like [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/ez-pass-toll-tag E-ZPass tag]) you can install in your vehicle to pay tolls as you drive through the toll roads. You need not stop to pay toll; it gets deducted from the linked bank account.  
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">South Carolina vs. Neighbouring States (2026)</h2>
  
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Learn [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/palmetto-pass how Palmetto Pass works, where to purchase it and more].
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">State</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">System</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Tag</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Notes</th>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">South Carolina</strong></td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">1 toll road (Southern Connector)</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Palmetto Pass</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">No E-ZPass; cash/credit card accepted</td>
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</tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[https://tollguru.com/north-carolina-toll-roads-turnpike-nc-quick-pass North Carolina]</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">100% electronic; NC Quick Pass</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">NC Quick Pass (E-ZPass/SunPass compatible)</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">50% discount with NC Quick Pass</td>
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</tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[https://tollguru.com/georgia-toll-roads-express-lanes-peach-pass Georgia]</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Express lanes only; dynamic pricing</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Peach Pass / SunPass</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">No E-ZPass; no toll roads — express lanes only</td>
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</tr>
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links &amp; Resources</h2>
  
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== South Carolina tolling agencies ==
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>[https://tollguru.com/us-toll US Toll Guide] - Complete guide to all 37 toll states</li>
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<li>[https://tollguru.com/south-carolina-toll-calculator South Carolina Toll Calculator] - Calculate Southern Connector costs</li>
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<li>[https://www.palmettopass.com Palmetto Pass Official Site] - Account setup and management</li>
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<li>[https://www.scdot.org South Carolina DOT] - Highway information and Southern Connector details</li>
 +
<li>Southern Connector Customer Service: (864) 232-0403</li>
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</ul>
  
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Following agencies manage South Carolina toll roads. For any questions about toll rates or payment methods please get in touch with respective agency.
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<ul><li>South Carolina Department of Transportation<ref>[http://www.dot.state.sc.us/ South Carolina Department of Transportation]</ref></li><li>Southern connector<ref>[http://www.southernconnector.com/faqs.html Southern connector]</ref></li><li>Cross island Parkway<ref>[https://www.crossislandparkway.org/scvector/static/faq/payment.shtml Cross island Parkway]</ref></li></ul>
 
 
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{{tollWikiFooterTripCalculator|South Carolina}}
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== See also ==
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<h3 style="color: #202122; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Found outdated content or toll information? Join us to keep toll information accurate.</h3>
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* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/us-toll US state tolls and toll passes]
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/contact"><button class="custom-button button-orange" style="margin-right: 10px;" type="button">Report Issue</button></a>
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* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki Worldwide tolls]
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Latest revision as of 10:27, 11 May 2026



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South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide

System: Very limited — one active toll road (Southern Connector, I-185); Palmetto Pass + cash + credit card
Coverage: Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville only
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Palmetto Pass RFID transponders, staffed cash booths, credit card terminals
Operator: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)

Do I Need a Palmetto Pass for South Carolina? 2026 Update

No. South Carolina is largely toll-free, and the only active toll road — the Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville — accepts cash and credit card as well as Palmetto Pass. The savings with Palmetto Pass are modest ($0.20 per full trip).

Key Reality: South Carolina has one of the smallest toll networks in the United States. The Cross Island Parkway (US 278) became permanently toll-free on June 30, 2021, leaving only the 16-mile Southern Connector.

2026 Update: The Southern Connector rates were last adjusted January 2, 2024. Palmetto Pass is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other out-of-state transponders. The former Cross Island toll plaza demolition project continues through 2026. No new toll roads are planned statewide.

South Carolina Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)

Vehicle Type Axles Palmetto Pass (Full Trip) Cash / Credit (Full Trip)
Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs 2 $4.30 $4.50
Small trucks, large SUVs 3 $5.95 $6.15
Medium trucks 4 $7.60 $7.80
Large trucks 5+ $9.25 $9.45

Individual toll plaza rates: East Plaza ($1.85 Palmetto Pass / $2.00 cash) and West Plaza ($1.85 / $2.00).

To calculate toll costs for the Southern Connector and all South Carolina toll facilities, use the TollGuru South Carolina toll calculator:

How to Pay South Carolina Tolls

1. Palmetto Pass (Electronic):

  • Free transponder with account setup; $0.20 savings per full 2-axle trip versus cash
  • Works only on the Southern Connector — not compatible with other states' systems
  • Automatic account deduction at dedicated Palmetto Pass lanes

2. Cash:

  • Accepted at both toll plazas; exact change recommended; staffed booths available

3. Credit Card:

  • Accepted at the mainline toll plaza; same rates as cash; major cards accepted

Note on missed tolls: Pledge to Pay forms available if you miss payment; 30-day grace period; additional fees apply after 30 days. There is no automated license plate billing system.

Recent Changes (2026)

  • Cross Island Parkway (US 278): Toll-free since June 30, 2021 after bonds paid off; former toll plaza demolition ongoing through 2026; route now a standard free highway
  • Southern Connector rates: Last adjusted January 2, 2024 with modest increases; no further changes announced for 2026
  • No new toll roads planned: SCDOT has no active proposals for additional toll facilities statewide as of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-ZPass or other out-of-state tags in South Carolina?

No. Palmetto Pass operates on its own system and is not compatible with E-ZPass, SunPass, NC Quick Pass, or any other state's transponder. Cash or credit card payment is the easiest option for out-of-state visitors.

Is Palmetto Pass worth it?

For most users, no — the savings are $0.20 per full trip, and the pass only works on a single road. Regular commuters on I-185 may benefit from the faster dedicated lane and automatic billing convenience.

Can I avoid the Southern Connector?

Yes. The Southern Connector is a 16-mile spur connecting I-85 and I-385 in Greenville. The parallel toll-free route via I-385 and SC-146 adds approximately 10–20 minutes.

South Carolina vs. Neighbouring States (2026)

State System Tag Notes
South Carolina 1 toll road (Southern Connector) Palmetto Pass No E-ZPass; cash/credit card accepted
North Carolina 100% electronic; NC Quick Pass NC Quick Pass (E-ZPass/SunPass compatible) 50% discount with NC Quick Pass
Georgia Express lanes only; dynamic pricing Peach Pass / SunPass No E-ZPass; no toll roads — express lanes only

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