How to Pay Tolls in New York City and Avoid Late Fees
Where tolls are charged in New York City
New York City tolls are charged on seven bridges and two tunnels that cross into Manhattan. The MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) operates all of them. The bridges are the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, Triborough Bridge, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Henry Hudson Bridge. The tunnels are the Queens Midtown Tunnel and the Lincoln Tunnel.
Not every crossing into Manhattan has a toll. The George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, not the MTA, and have their own payment systems. The FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and most local streets are free.
Tolls vary by vehicle type and time of day. Cars pay less than trucks. During rush hours (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays), tolls are higher on some bridges. Off-peak tolls are lower. The exact amount depends on which crossing you use and when you cross.
Key Takeaways
- MTA tolls can be paid by mail, online through your E-ZPass account, or automatically if you have an E-ZPass transponder in your vehicle.
- If you do not pay within a set time, the MTA will send you a bill in the mail with a late fee added to the original toll amount.
- E-ZPass is the fastest way to pay and gives you a small discount on most MTA tolls compared to paying by mail.
- Port Authority tolls (George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel) are paid through a separate system and cannot be paid through MTA E-ZPass.
- If you receive a toll bill you believe is wrong, you can dispute it by mail or phone within 30 days of receiving the notice.
How E-ZPass works and what it costs
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system. A small transponder mounted on your windshield communicates with toll readers as you cross. The toll is deducted automatically from a prepaid account you set up. You do not stop at a booth or receive a bill in the mail.
To get an E-ZPass, you open an account online at the MTA website or by phone. You provide your vehicle information, a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and a mailing address. The transponder is mailed to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield and add money to your account. The account can hold between $25 and $300 at any time.
E-ZPass tolls are discounted compared to paying by mail. The discount varies by bridge and tunnel but is typically 20 to 30 percent lower. For example, if a car toll is $6.50 when paid by mail, it might be $5.00 when paid with E-ZPass. You also avoid late fees because the toll is charged automatically.
If your E-ZPass account runs low, you can set up automatic replenishment. When your balance drops below a certain amount you choose, the system automatically charges your payment method to refill the account. This prevents your transponder from being declined at a toll plaza.
Paying tolls by mail if you do not have E-ZPass
If you cross a toll without an E-ZPass transponder, the MTA photographs your license plate. Within 30 days, a bill is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The bill includes the toll amount, the date and time of the crossing, the bridge or tunnel name, and instructions for payment.
You can pay the bill by mail, by phone, or online through the MTA website. Payment by mail requires you to return the bill with a check or money order. Payment by phone requires calling the MTA toll customer service line and providing your bill number and payment method. Online payment is the fastest option and can be done through the MTA website using a credit card or debit card.
Payment is due within 30 days of the bill date. If you pay within this window, you pay only the toll amount. If you do not pay within 30 days, a late fee is added. The late fee is typically $100 for a first violation. If you do not pay after a second notice, the fee increases. Unpaid tolls can also result in vehicle registration suspension and a hold on your driver's license renewal.
What happens if you miss a toll payment deadline
The MTA sends a first notice 30 days after the original toll bill. This notice includes the original toll, the late fee (usually $100), and a new payment deadline, typically 30 days from the notice date. At this stage, you can still pay the full amount and stop further action.
If you do not pay by the second deadline, a second notice is sent. The late fee increases, often to $150 or more depending on how many violations you have accumulated. The MTA also reports the unpaid toll to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. This can result in suspension of your vehicle registration and a hold placed on your driver's license renewal.
If tolls remain unpaid for an extended period, the MTA may refer the debt to a collection agency. This can damage your credit score and result in wage garnishment or bank account levies in extreme cases. The best course of action is to pay as soon as you receive the first notice, even if you believe the toll was charged in error.
Disputing a toll charge you believe is wrong
If you receive a toll bill for a crossing you did not make, or if you believe the toll amount is incorrect, you can dispute it. You have 30 days from the date on the bill to file a dispute. Disputes must be submitted in writing by mail or through the MTA website.
When you dispute a toll, include your bill number, the date and amount of the toll, and a clear explanation of why you believe the charge is wrong. If you were not driving the vehicle, include a statement saying so. If you have evidence—such as a receipt showing you were elsewhere at the time, or a police report if the vehicle was stolen—include copies of that documentation.
The MTA will review your dispute and respond within 30 to 60 days. If your dispute is upheld, the toll charge is removed from your account and any late fees are waived. If the dispute is denied, you will be notified in writing with an explanation. You can then choose to pay the toll or request a hearing before an administrative judge.
Port Authority tolls: George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel
The George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, not the MTA. They have a separate toll payment system and cannot be paid through an MTA E-ZPass account.
These tolls can be paid through Port Authority E-ZPass, which is a different transponder system. You can also pay by mail if your license plate is photographed, or you can pay at a toll booth if one is staffed. Port Authority E-ZPass accounts are set up separately from MTA accounts, though you can use the same payment method for both.
If you cross one of these three tolls without paying, the Port Authority sends a bill to your vehicle's registered owner within 30 days, similar to the MTA process. Late fees and penalties follow the same structure: a $100 fee is added if you do not pay within 30 days, and additional fees accrue if you do not pay after a second notice. Vehicle registration suspension and license renewal holds can also result from unpaid Port Authority tolls.
Toll payment options at a glance
| Payment Method | How It Works | Cost | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTA E-ZPass | Transponder in windshield; toll deducted automatically from prepaid account | Discounted toll rate (20–30% off); no late fees | If you cross MTA tolls regularly |
| Pay by mail | MTA photographs license plate; bill mailed within 30 days; you mail check or pay online | Full toll rate; $100 late fee if not paid within 30 days | If you cross occasionally and do not have E-ZPass |
| Port Authority E-ZPass | Separate transponder for George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel; automatic deduction | Discounted toll rate; no late fees | If you regularly use Port Authority crossings |
| Toll booth payment | Stop at booth and pay cash or card to attendant (when staffed) | Full toll rate | If you have cash and a booth is open |
How to set up an E-ZPass account
To open an MTA E-ZPass account, visit the official MTA E-ZPass website or call the customer service number listed there. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), state of registration, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).
During setup, you choose a mailing address where the transponder will be sent and where future bills will arrive. You also set a minimum balance threshold for automatic replenishment. For example, you might choose to have your account automatically refilled when the balance drops below $10. Once your account is created, the transponder is mailed to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days.
When the transponder arrives, mount it on your windshield according to the instructions included in the package. Test it at the next toll crossing to make sure it is working. If the transponder does not work, contact MTA customer service and request a replacement. Do not attempt to repair or modify the transponder yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a toll with cash at the booth?
Most MTA toll booths no longer accept cash. However, some booths still have attendants who accept credit cards or debit cards. Port Authority toll booths on the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel may still accept cash at certain times. Call ahead or check the agency website to confirm before you arrive.
What if I cross a toll by mistake and did not know it was there?
You will still receive a bill in the mail. You can dispute the charge if you believe it was made in error, but simply not knowing about the toll is not grounds for removal. However, if you can show that signage was missing or unclear, you may have a stronger case for dispute. Submit your dispute within 30 days of receiving the bill.
Can I use the same E-ZPass transponder in multiple vehicles?
No. Each E-ZPass transponder is registered to one vehicle. If you own multiple vehicles and want to use E-ZPass in all of them, you need a separate transponder and account for each vehicle. You can use the same payment method to fund all accounts.
What happens if my E-ZPass transponder is stolen or lost?
Contact MTA customer service immediately to report the loss. Your account will be suspended so no tolls can be charged to it. A replacement transponder will be mailed to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. You will be charged a replacement fee, typically around $25 to $35.
Do I have to pay tolls if I am a New York resident?
Yes. All vehicles, regardless of where they are registered, must pay tolls to cross MTA and Port Authority bridges and tunnels. There are no exemptions based on residency. However, some vehicles may may have access to for discounts, such as motorcycles or vehicles with certain disability permits. Check the MTA or Port Authority website for current discount programs.