Pay Toll USA Complete Guide: E-ZPass, SunPass, TxTag & All Payment Methods 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Pay Toll USA Complete Guide
System: Mixed electronic and cash toll collection
Coverage: 38 states with toll facilities
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, TxTag transponders + License plate recognition
Network: 90+ tolling agencies, 12 interoperable groups, 20+ toll brands
Do I Need a Toll Pass for USA? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a toll pass to drive on US toll roads - but you'll save significant money and time with one. The majority of US states (38 out of 50) have toll roads, toll bridges, express lanes, or other toll facilities.
Key Reality: Transponder users save 20-50% on tolls compared to cash rates. For regular interstate travel, this can save hundreds of dollars annually. Many facilities are converting to all-electronic tolling with no cash acceptance.
2025 Update: Most toll facilities are on the east coast. Florida has the most toll roads (734 miles), followed by Oklahoma, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Turnpike remains the most expensive toll road in the world.
US Toll Payment Methods: What You Need to Know
The US toll system operates through multiple regional networks with different payment methods. Understanding which transponder works where can save you significant money and hassle.
Major Toll Payment Networks (2025)
| Network | Coverage | Primary States | Interoperability |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-ZPass | 19 states | NY, NJ, PA, MA, VA, MD, FL | Works across all E-ZPass states |
| SunPass | 3 states | FL, GA, NC | SunPass PRO works with E-ZPass |
| FasTrak | 1 state | CA | California only |
| TxTag | 3 states | TX, OK, KS | Works with Central US Hub |
| I-Pass | Part of E-ZPass | IL | Works on all E-ZPass roads |
| ExpressToll | Central US Hub | CO, KS, TX, OK | Central states interoperability |
Payment Methods by Type
1. Electronic Transponders (Recommended):
- E-ZPass: Works in 19 states from Maine to Florida and west to Illinois
- SunPass: Florida statewide, plus Georgia and North Carolina
- FasTrak: All California toll roads and bridges
- TxTag: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas toll roads
- I-Pass: Illinois and all E-ZPass states
- 20-50% savings compared to cash or pay-by-plate rates
2. Cash Payment (Decreasing Availability):
- Still accepted at many traditional toll plazas
- Exact change often required at automated booths
- Higher rates than electronic payment
- Being phased out on many new facilities
3. Pay-by-Plate/Video Tolling:
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Bill mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Highest rates - typically 50-100% more than transponder rates
- Additional processing fees ($2.50-$5.00) often apply
4. Credit/Debit Cards:
- Limited acceptance at staffed toll booths
- Not accepted at most automated facilities
- Can be used to replenish transponder accounts
- Available for missed toll payments online
US States with Toll Roads (2025)
Currently, 38 US states and territories have toll roads, turnpikes, toll bridges, toll tunnels, or other toll facilities:
States with Toll Facilities
| Region | States | Primary Payment System |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | NY, NJ, PA, MA, CT, RI, ME, NH, VT | E-ZPass |
| Mid-Atlantic | MD, DE, VA, WV, NC | E-ZPass |
| Southeast | FL, GA, SC, AL, TN | SunPass, E-ZPass, Local |
| Midwest | IL, IN, OH, KY, MN, WI, IA, MO | E-ZPass, I-Pass, Local |
| South Central | TX, OK, KS, LA, AR | TxTag, TollTag, Local |
| West | CA, CO, WA, UT, NV, AZ | FasTrak, ExpressToll, Local |
| Territories | Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands | AutoExpreso, Local |
States WITHOUT Toll Roads
12 US states and the District of Columbia do not have any toll roads:
- Alaska - No toll roads
- Hawaii - No toll roads
- Idaho - No toll roads
- Montana - No toll roads
- Nebraska - No toll roads
- New Mexico - No toll roads
- North Dakota - No toll roads
- Oregon - No toll roads
- South Dakota - No toll roads
- Vermont - Mountain summit tolls only
- Wyoming - No toll roads
- District of Columbia - No toll roads
How to Choose the Right Toll Payment Method
Your choice depends on which states you'll be driving through and how frequently you'll encounter tolls.
Best Transponder by Travel Pattern
| Travel Pattern | Recommended Transponder | Why |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast Travel | E-ZPass | Works in 19 states, most coverage |
| Florida Focus | SunPass PRO | Best FL rates + E-ZPass compatibility |
| California Only | FasTrak | Only option for CA toll roads |
| Texas/Central US | TxTag | Works TX, OK, KS |
| National Travel | E-ZPass + Regional | Widest coverage, multiple systems |
| Occasional Travel | Pay-by-Plate | No upfront cost, bill by mail |
Cost Comparison Example
New York to Florida Drive (I-95 Corridor):
- E-ZPass: $45-60 total tolls
- Cash: $65-85 total tolls
- Pay-by-Plate: $75-100 total tolls + processing fees
- Annual E-ZPass savings: $200-500 for regular travelers
Recent Changes (2025)
All-Electronic Tolling Expansion:
- Pennsylvania Turnpike launched Open Road Tolling (ORT) January 2025
- Delaware completed cashless conversions on major facilities
- Maryland eliminated cash payment at most toll facilities
- Massachusetts continues all-electronic expansion
Interoperability Improvements:
- E-ZPass now accepted on all Florida toll roads
- Central US Interoperability Hub expanded (TX, OK, KS, CO)
- SunPass PRO compatibility enhanced with E-ZPass network
- Uni transponder covers 18 states with single account
Rate Adjustments:
- Annual rate increases implemented across most toll systems
- Gap between transponder and cash rates widening
- Pay-by-plate fees increased to encourage electronic adoption
- HOV and express lane dynamic pricing expanded
Technology Enhancements:
- Improved license plate recognition accuracy
- Mobile app integration for account management
- Enhanced fraud detection and prevention
- Real-time traffic and toll rate information
State-by-State Toll Payment Guide
Major Toll States - Complete Payment Information:
- New York Toll - E-ZPass, extensive bridge/tunnel network
- Florida Toll - SunPass system, 734 miles of toll roads
- Texas Toll - TxTag, TollTag, extensive turnpike system
- California Toll - FasTrak required, bridges and express lanes
- Pennsylvania Toll - E-ZPass, most expensive turnpike system
- New Jersey Toll - E-ZPass, extensive turnpike network
- Illinois Toll - I-Pass system, Chicago area focus
- Virginia Toll - E-ZPass, extensive express lanes
- Massachusetts Toll - E-ZPass, all-electronic tolling
- Maryland Toll - E-ZPass, major bridge crossings
Regional Toll Systems - Specialized Payment Methods:
- North Carolina Toll - NC Quick Pass, I-77 express lanes
- Georgia Toll - Peach Pass, express lanes focus
- Ohio Toll - E-ZPass, turnpike system
- Colorado Toll - ExpressToll, express lanes
- Washington Toll - Good To Go, bridges and express lanes
- Oklahoma Toll - PikePass, extensive turnpike network
- Kansas Toll - K-Tag, turnpike system
- Louisiana Toll - GeauxPass, bridge crossings
- Indiana Toll - E-ZPass, toll road system
- Maine Toll - E-ZPass, turnpike system
Limited Toll Systems - Special Cases:
- Utah Toll - Single toll road (Adams Avenue Parkway)
- Alaska Toll - Single toll road (Anton Anderson Memorial)
- Missouri Toll - One toll bridge (Lake of Ozarks)
- South Carolina Toll - Limited toll facilities
- Tennessee Toll - No toll roads currently
- Wisconsin Toll - Limited toll facilities
- Iowa Toll - No toll roads currently
- Kentucky Toll - RiverLink, bridge crossings
- Minnesota Toll - MnPASS, express lanes
- Nevada Toll - Limited toll facilities
Planning Your Journey
Multi-State Travel Strategy:
- East Coast: E-ZPass covers most facilities from Maine to Florida
- Cross-Country: Plan for multiple transponder systems
- Major Routes: I-95, I-10, I-40 have varying toll systems
- Research Required: Check state-specific payment methods
Cost Management Tips:
- Buy transponders for states with frequent travel
- Use mobile apps for account management
- Set up auto-replenishment to avoid low balance penalties
- Check for discounts - commuter plans, off-peak rates
- Keep receipts for tax deductions if business travel
Alternative Route Planning:
- Google Maps: "Avoid tolls" option for toll-free routing
- Waze: Real-time toll cost information
- TollGuru: Comprehensive toll calculation and route optimization
- Trade-offs: Toll roads often save 30-90 minutes on long trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use E-ZPass everywhere in the US?
E-ZPass works in 19 states but not nationwide. California requires FasTrak, Texas uses TxTag, and other states have their own systems. Check state-specific requirements before traveling.
What happens if I drive through a toll without paying?
Cameras capture your license plate and send a bill to the vehicle owner. You'll pay the toll plus administrative fees ($2.50-$5.00). Unpaid tolls can result in additional penalties, collection actions, and registration holds.
Do rental cars have toll transponders?
Most rental companies offer toll programs with daily fees ($3-15) plus actual tolls. Some provide transponders, others use license plate billing. Check with your rental company before traveling on toll roads.
Are there toll-free alternatives to major toll roads?
Yes, but they're usually slower. US and state highways parallel most toll roads. Google Maps "avoid tolls" option shows alternatives. Expect 30-90 minutes longer travel time on major routes.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in the US?
Generally yes, but rates vary by state. Some states charge the same as cars, others have reduced rates. A few express lanes (like Virginia) allow free motorcycle travel. Check state-specific motorcycle toll policies.
Can I pay tolls with a credit card?
Not directly at most toll facilities. Credit cards can be used to replenish transponder accounts or pay missed tolls online. Some staffed toll booths accept credit cards, but this is increasingly rare.
USA vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Mixed regional systems | 38 states, 5000+ miles | $0.04-0.50/mile |
| Canada | Limited toll facilities | Few bridges/highways | $2-8/crossing |
| Mexico | Extensive toll highways | Major highway network | $2-15/section |
| Puerto Rico | AutoExpreso system | Limited highways | $0.75-2.50/toll |
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across US toll roads, use TollGuru USA toll calculator
Useful Links & Resources
Major Toll Agencies:
- E-ZPass Group: www.e-zpassiag.com - Multi-state coordination
- Florida's Turnpike: 1-800-749-PIKE - SunPass system
- California FasTrak: 1-877-BAY-TOLL - Bay Area system
- Texas TxTag: 1-888-468-9824 - Texas system
- Illinois I-Pass: 1-800-824-7277 - Illinois system
- Pennsylvania Turnpike: 1-877-736-6727 - PA system
- New York Thruway: 1-800-THRUWAY - NY system
