Rhode Island Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Rates & Payment 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Rhode Island Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: All-electronic tolling (E-ZPass + Bill by Mail)
Coverage: Single toll bridge (Newport Pell Bridge)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, License plate recognition
Operator: Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Rhode Island? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to cross the Newport Pell Bridge - but you'll save significantly and avoid potential complications. Rhode Island has only one toll facility, the Newport Pell Bridge, which converted to all-electronic tolling in October 2021.
Key Reality: Without E-ZPass, you'll pay higher "bill by mail" rates and risk additional fees if payment is delayed beyond 14 days. Rhode Island residents with RITBA E-ZPass pay just $0.83 versus $6.00 for non-residents without E-ZPass.
2025 Update: All cash toll booths permanently closed. Commercial truck tolls on highways were suspended in 2022 following federal court ruling and remain under legal appeal, expected to potentially resume in 2026.
Rhode Island Toll Costs: Current Rates
Rhode Island operates the smallest toll network in the United States, with just one toll facility - the Newport Pell Bridge connecting Newport and Jamestown.
Current Toll Rates by Payment Method (2025)
| Vehicle Type | E-ZPass (RI Resident) | E-ZPass (Non-Resident) | Bill by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car (2 axles) | $0.83 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
| Motorcycle | $0.83 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
| Commercial Vehicle (per axle) | $2.00 | $2.00 | $3.00 |
| Truck (5+ axles) | $10.00+ | $10.00+ | $15.00+ |
Commercial Truck Tolls (Currently Suspended)
RhodeWorks truck tolls on I-95, I-195, I-295, US-6, and Route 146 were suspended in September 2022 following a federal court ruling. The appeals process continues, with potential resumption in 2026 if the state removes daily toll caps.
How to Pay Rhode Island Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in Rhode Island:
1. E-ZPass Electronic System:
- RITBA E-ZPass: Best rates for Rhode Island residents ($0.83 vs $6.00)
- Any E-ZPass transponder works but at non-resident rates
- Must register vehicle as under 7,000 lbs GVW for resident discount
- Available at ezpassritba.com or RITBA offices
2. Bill by Mail (All-Electronic):
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- 14-day payment window to avoid additional fees
- Payment online at ezpassritba.com or by phone
3. Cash Payment:
- No longer accepted - all toll booths permanently closed October 2021
- Unpaid toll forms no longer available at bridge
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Rhode Island toll roads, use TollGuru Rhode Island toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Bridge Tolling:
- Newport Pell Bridge remains the only toll facility in Rhode Island
- All-electronic tolling system operating smoothly since October 2021
- License plate recognition technology enhanced for better accuracy
- Mobile payment options improved for bill-by-mail customers
Truck Tolls Status:
- RhodeWorks truck tolls suspended since September 2022
- Federal appeals court ruled in state's favor December 2024
- State can resume tolling but must remove daily caps
- Potential resumption in 2026 pending legislative decisions
Infrastructure Updates:
- Mount Hope Bridge main cable dehumidification project ongoing
- $251 million federal funding received for bridge infrastructure
- Washington Bridge emergency repairs continue with federal support
Rhode Island Toll Bridges
Current Toll Bridge:
- Newport Pell Bridge - Connects Newport and Jamestown, opened 1969
- Route 138 corridor - Main connection between mainland and Aquidneck Island
- Suspension bridge - 11,247 feet total length, 1,601-foot main span
Toll-Free RITBA Bridges:
- Mount Hope Bridge - Bristol to Portsmouth connection
- Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge - Jamestown to mainland
- Sakonnet River Bridge - Toll eliminated June 2013
Historic Toll Changes:
- 2013: Sakonnet River Bridge toll eliminated (was $0.10)
- 2021: Newport Pell Bridge converted to all-electronic tolling
- 2025: Only remaining toll facility in Rhode Island
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Rhode Island residents: $0.83 with RITBA E-ZPass
- Non-residents with E-ZPass: $4.00
- Without E-ZPass: $6.00 plus potential late fees
- Commercial vehicles: $2.00-3.00 per axle
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Route 195 to Route 24: Longer route avoiding Newport area
- Fall River/Tiverton connection: Cross Massachusetts border
- Ferry services: Seasonal and limited schedule options
- Route 138 is the most direct connection to Newport
Rental Car Considerations:
- Most rental companies charge $3-15 daily transponder fees
- Administrative fees often $15+ per unpaid toll
- Consider purchasing temporary E-ZPass for longer visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Rhode Island tolls completely?
Yes, you can avoid the Newport Pell Bridge toll by using Route 195 to Route 24 or crossing through Massachusetts. However, this adds 20-45 minutes to reach Newport and eliminates the scenic Route 138 drive.
What happens if I don't pay Rhode Island tolls?
Unpaid tolls escalate: bill-by-mail rate ($6.00) for first 14 days, then $40 additional fee, potential court action, and possible registration holds for repeated violations.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Rhode Island?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same rates as passenger cars: $0.83 for RI residents with E-ZPass, $4.00 for non-residents with E-ZPass, or $6.00 without E-ZPass.
Are truck tolls coming back to Rhode Island?
Potentially. The federal appeals court ruled in December 2024 that Rhode Island can resume truck tolls if they remove daily caps. State officials are debating whether to restart the program in 2026.
Can I use E-ZPass from other states?
Yes, any E-ZPass transponder works on the Newport Pell Bridge, but only RITBA-issued E-ZPass qualifies for the resident discount rate of $0.83.
Rhode Island vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | All-electronic | $0.83-6.00 | 1 bridge only |
| Connecticut | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
| Massachusetts | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.50-2.50 | Mass Pike, tunnels |
| New York | E-ZPass + Cashless | $0.05-0.15/mile | Extensive network |
| New Jersey | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.04-0.12/mile | Turnpike, Parkway |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Newport Pell Bridge - Detailed bridge information and current tolls
- Mount Hope Bridge - Bristol-Portsmouth connection (toll-free)
- Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge - Jamestown to mainland (toll-free)
- Sakonnet River Bridge - Historic toll bridge, now free
- Rhode Island E-ZPass - RITBA E-ZPass account setup
- Rhode Island Truck Tolls - RhodeWorks program status
Official Resources:
- Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority: (401) 423-0800
- E-ZPass Rhode Island: 1-877-743-9727
- RITBA Website: www.ritba.org
- E-ZPass Account Management: www.ezpassritba.com
