Forum Discussion

suprz's avatar
suprz
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015

EZ Pass issues

We just got back from our cross country trip from RI to South Dakota. Our ez pass worked sometimes and other times we would get a yellow light stating to contact EZ pass. Other times we would stuck at the gate until a attendant came over and verified the transponder # etc.. on the way back to RI we got caught again behind a gate after crossing a bridge over the Hudson river in NY. The attendant came over asked for the actual transponder... I told her it was on the license plate and I could give her all the info from the official EZ pass paperwork that I had with me. She was a witch and stated that she had to have the actual transponder to verify it and that unless I had that to give her. I had to pay 5.00. I got ticked off and told her that I wasn't to take it off my plate, and that I had EZ Pass so I wouldn't have to pay with $$ she just said that I couldn't leave unless I paid.... Which I did, and got a receipt. I called ri EZ pass, and told that they didn't know why acted like that, and that maybe I needed a roof mounted transponder. Funny thing is that while up on the roof recently, I noticed two strips of what looked like double sided tape right on the top front of the front cap. I'm thinking the previous owner had the roof mounted transponder
Seeking Advice
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    why is it mounted on your license plate? Isn't it supposed to be inside out of the weather?
  • Triker33's avatar
    Triker33
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    Hummmm! All of them are mounted on the windshield here.

    Where to mount EZ Pass instructions

    Isn't there someplace else I can mount my E-ZPass other than the windshield?

    No. The transponder should be installed approximately one inch below the top of your windshield above your rearview mirror as stated in How It Works: it may not be "read" by the E-ZPass antenna. Placing the transponder on the sun visor, the rear view mirror, the dashboard, the seat, or in your hand may work sometimes, but will not work all of the time. Installing the transponder incorrectly or not at all may cause unnecessary toll evasion violations, administrative fees or delays at the tollbooth.

    RI also say mount on windshield. NOT where yours is mounted.
  • suprz's avatar
    suprz
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    2chiefsRus wrote:
    why is it mounted on your license plate? Isn't it supposed to be inside out of the weather?


    We were told by a report at the EZ Pass office when we signed up that because of the front overhang of our class C. That we couldn't use the windshield mounted transponder. The transponder we have is completely sealed so I'm hoping it's weather proof...lol
  • suprz's avatar
    suprz
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    I don't know where the different states have their EZ Pass "readers" maybe the roof is the best place?
  • suprz's avatar
    suprz
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    Does anyone know if the EZ pass antennas are always above the toll lane? If so, I'll get the roof mounted transponder
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    suprz wrote:
    crossing a bridge over the Hudson river in NY. The attendant came over asked for the actual transponder... I told her it was on the license plate and I could give her all the info from the official EZ pass paperwork that I had with me. She was a witch


    Man they are the meanest toll enforcement people on the planet. I got caught at a gate at the Tri Boro Bridge one day. When the gate wouldn't go up, I looked up to grab my EZ Pass and it wasn't there. I had taken it out and put it in another car. Some guy with a badge came over and yelled at me for what seemed like an eternity before he opened the gate and motioned angrily for me to pull off to the side. After telling me he could have my vehicle towed, could write me a bunch of tickets, etc. and so on, he let me pay him and I got a receipt.

    I would definitely look into the roof-mounted transponder if you're having trouble with the license plate-mounted one. I could see how the overhang on your C would cause issues with windshield mounted placement. Around here, the high-speed EZ pass receivers are mounted up in the air and I'm pretty sure the toll booth ones are, too.

    See this from the NY Thruway people:

    "The FME transponder is recommended for trucks, buses, coaches, RVs, and other classes of large commercial vehicles. FME transponders programmed for Rooftop mount on the roof of the vehicle only."

    http://www.thruway.ny.gov/commercial/ezpass/tag-mounting.html

    I don't know about your "C", but here in NJ my "A" required a commercial account.
  • suprz's avatar
    suprz
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    We usually try and avoid NY all together and go around or under the state
  • cchristanis's avatar
    cchristanis
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    Ny sucks! I try to avoid the thruway. I have one mounted on my motorcycle windshield though so I never had a issue with weather. They charge some ridiculous amounts for hauling trailers. They go by axles. My 2 axle toy hauler costs $13 to go just a few miles between exits. My truck (7000 pounds approx.) costs the same as my 700 pound motorcycle to go through the same exits. Figure that one out!
  • RICKIM's avatar
    RICKIM
    Explorer III
    Oct 02, 2015
    We have a TC with a overhang and ours is mounted inside in the windshield.
    Never had a problem.

    Rick

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