School is out and temps are rising. Summer has officially arrived. For most Americans, summer means a family vacation.
Almost 219 million Americans, or a lofty 85% of adults, plan to travel this summer. More than half plan to travel domestically. Close to 40%, or one million people, will be taking a road trip 250 miles or more from home.
Without a plan, out-of-town guests are likely to be surprised by at least one toll along their route. Of the 50 states, 35 have a toll road, bridge, or station of some kind.
It’s no coincidence that the states most popular for travel destinations are also states with tolls in place.
Florida has over 700 miles of toll roads, making it the US state with the most toll roads. It’s the third most populated state in the county. However, its beaches, attractions, and parks drew 137.6 million visitors last year.
This year, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and Travel Awaits are just a few that have named Florida as a top travel destination. Also on their lists for 2023 are California, New York, and Texas, states also known for their tolls.
WHICH US STATES HAVE TOLL ROADS?
Alabama
Alaska
California
Colorado
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington State
West Virginia
WHICH US STATES DO NOT HAVE TOLL ROADS?
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Washington, DC
Hawaii
Idaho
Iowa
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
South Dakota
Tennessee
Wisconsin
Wyoming
WHAT STATE HAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE TOLL?
There are close to 6,000 miles of toll roads in America. The lengths, rates, and types of tolls vary across the country.
Pennsylvania has the most expensive toll fee in not only the United States, but in the world. Drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike pay $112 to drive the duration. Truck drivers pay close to $200 for the same stretch.
Click here for a list of the most and least expensive tolls.
HOW DO TOLLS WORK IN THE US?
Tolls are put in place to generate funds to finance infrastructure projects. There are no state income taxes in some states, such as Texas and Florida. Instead, sales tax and toll payments fund their Department of Transportation (DOT) projects. Rather than taxpayers funding the projects, those who drive on the passages pay for the improvements.
Toll passes can be purchased for locals who frequently travel tolls in their residing states. Some toll booths or toll plazas have attendants who take payment and other toll stations are fully electronic. Motorists on toll roads without an attendant are monitored by cameras. Drivers without a pass or sticker visible for the camera to scan are sent citations in the mail.
IS THERE A NATIONAL TOLL PASS?
NationalPass is an option for busy, interstate travelers that 21 toll states currently accept. It is also pending in seven others. This national pass is a solution for drivers who often visit multiple states. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution.
Some states, like Florida, offer visitor toll passes for drivers who are temporarily in town. This alternative allows drivers to avoid costly rental car charges.
HOW DO I USE A TOLL ROAD WITH A RENTAL CAR?
What’s more frustrating than traveling to a new city and not knowing where you’re going? Having to navigate tolls on top of directions.
Review the route you’ll be driving prior to beginning the road trip. If you’re traveling this summer and plan to rent a car, it’s even more important to plan your directions ahead of time. Click here for a toll calculator.
Determine how you will pay the tolls along your route. Options include cash, card, or an electronic transponder. The third option can be quite expensive if you use the transponder through the rental company. On top of the toll, you will also pay additional daily fees for using their pass.
An alternative is using your personal pass/transponder. Be sure to verify it’s accepted in the states you will be visiting.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A WAY TO PAY THE TOLL?
If you miss a toll, do not have the funds, or the payment type needed at the time of passage an invoice will be mailed to you. Invoices are sent by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to the registered owner of the vehicle within two weeks. Not having a way to pay at the time of passage does not excuse you from paying the toll fee.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A TOLL?
Tolls must be paid. If you do not pay when passing and do not pay the invoice, the state will place a restriction on your registration. Therefore, when your vehicle registration is set to be renewed you will owe the toll, plus penalty fees before the DMV will renew your auto registration.
The DMV is responsible for operating and collecting state tolls. Some states, such as Georgia, will send the toll and accumulated fees to collections.
There are drivers who avoid paying tolls when visiting or passing through a state that is not their home. They figure that the threat of vehicle registration cannot be enforced, so they evade the toll. In fact, states average approximately $10 million each year in outstanding tolls and fees.
To eliminate this, neighboring states in the Northeast have enacted a reciprocity agreement. Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island will enforce the same penalties across state lines to ensure payment.
Key Takeaway: Skipping a toll can ultimately affect your credit in the long run.
HOW DO I DISPUTE A TOLL?
As previously stated, tolls vary. Some are automated while others have attendants to take payment. If you receive a Notice of Toll Evasion that you feel is an error, you may submit a dispute.
First, verify that the information listed on the notice is accurate. Is the correct name and tag number listed? Is the listed date one on which you traveled the toll? If you recently sold your car, this step is even more important.
The notice will provide appeal instructions. If it does not, you may contact the issuing agency and request appeal paperwork. Appeals are most commonly submitted by mail. When mailing in your dispute, be sure to send your paperwork via Certified Mail.
Certified Mail provides you with proof of mailing, tracking, and delivery confirmation. All of which are helpful when making your case. When you send with Certified Mail Labels, you’ll save $2.75 on each letter you mail.
If your dispute is denied after processing, you can file an appeal with the local municipal court.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
How to Properly Write, Address a Letter and Must Know Mail Regulations
How to Write a Check: A Quick and Easy Guide
Repairing Your Credit One Certified Letter at a Time
