Pay Toll Minnesota Complete Guide: E-ZPass Express Lanes, Bridge Tolls & Payment Methods 2025
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Pay Toll Minnesota Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass express lanes (formerly MnPASS) + Cash-only toll bridges
Coverage: Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area (3 express lanes) + 2 border bridges
Technology: Dynamic pricing, switchable E-ZPass tags, HOV detection
Unique Feature: Express lanes free 90% of the time, HOV always free
Interoperability: Works with 19-state E-ZPass network
Do I Need E-ZPass to Pay Tolls in Minnesota? 2025 Update
For express lanes: Yes, if you're driving alone during peak hours. Minnesota's unique system requires E-ZPass only for solo drivers during rush hour (6-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays). Carpools, buses, and motorcycles always use express lanes free.
For toll bridges: Cash only. The International Falls Bridge ($7.00 round trip) and Fargo-Moorhead Bridge ($0.75) accept cash payments only at staffed toll booths.
2025 Update: I-394 reversible lanes closed July-November 2025 for bridge construction. I-35W Burnsville construction affects express lanes. E-ZPass Minnesota remains fully interoperable with 19-state network.
Minnesota Toll Payment Methods: How to Pay
1. E-ZPass Minnesota Express Lanes
Account Setup:
- Minimum prepaid balance: $25
- Switchable E-ZPass tag: Switches between HOV (free) and solo (paid) modes
- Automatic replenishment: Credit/debit card on file
- Monthly statements: Email or mail (small fee)
How It Works:
- Dynamic pricing: $0.25 - $8.00 based on traffic conditions
- Prices update every 3 minutes
- Price displayed when entering = price you pay
- Maintains 50-55 mph speeds in express lanes
Account Management:
- Online portal: Check balance, add funds, update vehicles
- Customer service: Phone support for account issues
- One-time payments: Credit/debit card via website
- Auto-replenishment: Customizable threshold and amount
2. Video Tolling (Backup Payment)
If You Don't Have E-ZPass:
- License plate captured by cameras
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Additional administrative fees apply
- 30-day payment window
Payment Options for Video Tolls:
- Online payment: Credit/debit card via official portal
- Phone payment: Call customer service center
- Mail payment: Check or money order
3. Cash Toll Bridges
| Bridge | Location | Toll (2-axle car) | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Falls Bridge | Minnesota to Ontario, Canada | $7.00 round trip | Cash only at toll booth |
| Fargo-Moorhead Bridge | Minnesota to North Dakota | $0.75 one way | Cash only at toll booth |
Minnesota Express Lane Payment Schedule
Current Express Lane Tolling Hours (2025)
| Route | Direction | Tolling Hours | Free Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 (West of Hwy 100) | Eastbound | 6-10 AM weekdays | All other times |
| I-394 (West of Hwy 100) | Westbound | 3-7 PM weekdays | All other times |
| I-394 (Reversible Lanes) | Eastbound | 6 AM - 1 PM daily | CLOSED July-Nov 2025 |
| I-394 (Reversible Lanes) | Westbound | 2 PM - 5 AM daily | CLOSED July-Nov 2025 |
| I-35W (North of I-494) | Northbound | 6-10 AM weekdays | All other times |
| I-35W (South of I-494) | Southbound | 3-7 PM weekdays | All other times |
| I-35E (St. Paul) | Northbound | 6-10 AM weekdays | All other times |
| I-35E (St. Paul) | Southbound | 3-7 PM weekdays | All other times |
Who Pays and Who Rides Free
Always Free on Express Lanes
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV 2+):
- Vehicles with 2 or more occupants (including infants/children)
- Must have switchable E-ZPass tag in HOV mode
- Subject to HOV enforcement and penalties if caught solo
Transit and Motorcycles:
- Transit buses: Always free, no transponder required
- Motorcycles: Always free, no transponder required
- Emergency vehicles: Free when responding to incidents
Must Pay During Peak Hours
Solo Drivers:
- Single occupant vehicles during rush hours
- Must have E-ZPass tag in solo mode
- Dynamic pricing: $0.25 - $8.00 depending on traffic
Small Commercial Vehicles:
- 2-axle vehicles under 26,000 pounds
- Must have E-ZPass account and pay solo rates
- Larger trucks prohibited from express lanes
Out-of-State E-ZPass Users
Compatible E-ZPass Systems:
- I-PASS (Illinois), E-ZPass (East Coast), SunPass (Florida)
- Works on Minnesota express lanes but always charges fees
- Cannot switch to HOV mode - always pays solo rates
- Must remove out-of-state tag when carpooling
Rental Car Considerations:
- Add rental vehicle to your E-ZPass account
- Remove immediately upon return to avoid charges
- Ask rental company to deactivate their toll device
- Rental devices typically charge fees regardless of passengers
Electric Vehicle Incentives
E-ZPass Minnesota EV Credits (Through October 2025):
- Battery electric vehicles: One-time $250 credit
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: One-time $125 credit
- Must purchase/lease vehicle between November 2019 - October 2025
- One credit per person, requires proof of purchase/lease
Application Process:
- Email proof of purchase to customerservice@ezpassmn.net
- Must have active E-ZPass Minnesota account
- Credits apply only to Minnesota express lanes
- Credits don't expire unless account is closed
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Construction Impacts:
- I-394 reversible lanes closed July-November 2025 for bridge repairs
- I-35W Burnsville project affecting express lane access
- Alternative routes experiencing increased traffic
- 2026: I-394 reversible lanes will operate as regular lanes during construction
Security Enhancements:
- Increased warnings about toll payment scams
- MnDOT will never text or email for payment
- Enhanced account security features
- Improved fraud detection systems
System Improvements:
- Enhanced interoperability with national E-ZPass network
- Improved customer service response times
- Better integration with traffic management systems
- Updated mobile-friendly account portal
Minnesota vs. Regional States
| State | Toll System | HOV Policy | Free Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Express lanes only | HOV 2+ always free | 90% of the time |
| Wisconsin | No tolls | N/A | All highways free |
| Iowa | No tolls | N/A | All highways free |
| Illinois | Extensive toll roads | Limited HOV lanes | Local roads only |
| North Dakota | No tolls | N/A | All highways free |
| Canada (Manitoba) | No tolls | N/A | All highways free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid paying tolls in Minnesota?
Yes, easily. Express lanes are optional - you can always use adjacent general purpose lanes for free. The two toll bridges have free alternative crossings nearby. Minnesota's express lanes are free 90% of the time for all users.
What happens if I don't pay Minnesota tolls?
Video tolling captures your license plate and sends a bill to the registered owner. Unpaid tolls result in additional fees and potential vehicle registration holds. Payment is typically required within 30 days.
Can I use my Illinois I-PASS in Minnesota?
Yes, but it always charges fees regardless of passengers. For carpools, you need a switchable Minnesota E-ZPass tag to avoid charges, or remove the out-of-state tag when carpooling.
Do electric vehicles get toll discounts?
Yes, battery electric vehicles receive a one-time $250 credit, and plug-in hybrids receive $125. This applies to vehicles purchased or leased between November 2019 and October 2025.
How does dynamic pricing work?
Toll rates adjust automatically based on traffic conditions to maintain free-flowing speeds. Higher traffic = higher tolls. Prices range from $0.25 to $8.00 and update every 3 minutes. The price you see when entering is what you pay.
Useful Links & Resources
Related Pages:
- US Toll Roads - Complete guide to American toll systems
- Canada Toll Roads - Cross-border travel information
- Minnesota Toll Roads - Detailed route information
Official Resources:
- E-ZPass Minnesota Customer Service: 1-866-397-4334
- MnDOT General Information: 511 or 1-800-657-3774
- Online Account Management: dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- Video Toll Payment: Follow invoice instructions or call customer service
Account Management:
- Balance checking: Online portal or mobile app
- One-time payments: Credit/debit card online
- Auto-replenishment: Customize threshold and amounts
- Monthly statements: Email (free) or mail (small fee)
