Travelers have the option to sign up for the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system, or pay by license plate and receive a bill in the mail. E-ZPass is the easiest, most economical way to go – you purchase a transponder, set up an E-ZPass account, and mount it on your window. As you drive beneath the toll readers, the system automatically scans your E-ZPass, and deducts the correct amount from your prepaid account.

If a vehicle passes under the toll gantry without an E-ZPass transponder, a video camera takes a picture of the license plate number (LPN). If the plate is not associated with a registered pre-paid video or E-ZPass account, the customer will receive an invoice for the toll due plus a video fee to the address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The invoice will request payment within 30 days and invite the customer to open an account. The invoice can be paid by mail, in person, by phone or at the ERC website. Drivers who receive a bill in the mail will pay a toll rate that’s about two times more than those with an E-ZPass account.

Those driving rental cars can temporarily add the car to their account or ask their agency for other options.

With E-ZPass:

• Vehicles using either the Downtown or Midtown tunnels will pay $1.59 (off peak) and $1.84 (peak).
• Vehicles that use the MLK extension and one of the tunnels as part of a single trip will pay $0.50 to use the MLK extension.
• Vehicles that use only the MLK extension will pay $1.00.

WHY CASH IS NOT AN OPTION
By eliminating the need for tollbooths, traffic can be sustained at a free flow pace, reducing vehicle idle times and carbon emissions. Instead of inefficient and costly tollbooths, overhead electronic gantries will scan your E-ZPass or license plate, so you don’t have to slow down or fumble for correct change.

SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT
Virginia residents can create an E-ZPass account at VDOT’s website https://www.ezpassva.com/CreateAccount/CreateAccountHome.aspx or call the customer service center toll-free at 877-762-7824.

Learn more about the E-ZPass by visiting VDOT‘s E-ZPass Website: www.ezpassva.com