Forum Discussion

RavenNS's avatar
RavenNS
Explorer
Aug 10, 2015

Ez pass and tt.. Which state to buy from?

Hi, I've done the route from the Canadian maritimes to Virginia beach and back with a single axle pup and now have an htt and thinking about doing that route again.. Or down to myrtle beach sc. Anyway, I found it very expensive for tolls and a total PITA ( pain in the a$$) for both the time to sit and wait for cash toll booths and to actually have small bills for all of that... Wondering about getting an ez pass. I've looked at few different states websites on it and don't see any rules that state that you have to be from a particular state or even from the USA to use this. Looks like they're happy to take the money. Maine even have "province" as an option in the billing address on their web-based form.
My question is: With a 2 axel vehicle towing a 1 axel trailer, which state is best to buy a tag from because it appears that the various states handle this differently... Some have a set-up for that and some don't . I most certainly would not want to cause violations or be mischarged.
Just wondering if anyone has shopped it out for that circumstance. Thanks
Roads and Routes
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Aug 10, 2015
    NY E-ZPass has no monthly fee when you use the automatic top up option and electronic statements.
  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2015
    I have been having lots of issues wih EZ pass and different states and authorities. For example, the Delaware Memorial Bridge recommends to pay cash. The delaware river joint bridge authority also has issues distinguishing a passenger vehicle with a trailer and commercial vehicle. My travels, this is what I found...

    Masspike - pay cash. They will charge you a higher commercial rate.
    NYS Thruway - Go through a manned toll booth, and make sure they enter the right code. For me, it is 4L.
    Port Authoity Bridges - No Issue yet, and you may only be charged for the vehicle and no trailer.
    DRJBA - Pay cash
    DMB - pay Cash
    Md and Del Barriers - No Issues
    NjT-No Issues
    Baltimore Key Bridge - No Issues

    Best advise, always check your statements.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Aug 10, 2015
    ChooChooMan74 wrote:

    NYS Thruway - Go through a manned toll booth, and make sure they enter the right code. For me, it is 4L.

    If asked, NYS will issue two tags, one for the car alone, and one with the trailer included. The unused tag is stored in a signal blocking bag or wrapped in foil. We have that setup for our coach for towing or not.
  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2015
    Dutch_12078 wrote:
    ChooChooMan74 wrote:

    NYS Thruway - Go through a manned toll booth, and make sure they enter the right code. For me, it is 4L.

    If asked, NYS will issue two tags, one for the car alone, and one with the trailer included. The unused tag is stored in a signal blocking bag or wrapped in foil. We have that setup for our coach for towing or not.
    I am considering getting a 2nd EZPass from NYS, and use it for towing my trailer. Right now, my EZPass is through RI. I do have 2, and RI won't program the 2nd EZpass for anything but a car.
  • Thom02099's avatar
    Thom02099
    Explorer II
    Aug 10, 2015
    There was an article in our local newspaper from USA Today, about just this topic...which toll pass system to get/use.

    Article stated that E-ZPass is the most established and most widely used system, accepted in 15 states from Illinois to Maine and south to North Carolina. SunPass is the 2nd largest compatible tolling system, primarily in Georgia, Florida and North Carolina.

    Most importantly though, from the article, there is a Federal mandate requiring all states to have interoperable road tolling systems by next fall. Whatever transponder you purchase now, can be used nationwide.

    Full Story Here

    In your particular situation for the here and now, it would probably make sense to get the E-ZPass now, knowing that about this time next year, it will be usable nationwide in the USA.
  • RavenNS's avatar
    RavenNS
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    All great information; thank you very much

    Will keep it in mind. I'm thinking I may buy towards the end of the year as I'm not planning anything until summer 2016, but probably want get in before it is national
  • Bmach's avatar
    Bmach
    Explorer II
    Aug 11, 2015
    I got mine from NY when they first started. I only have on,e I do not have a separate one for towing and have never had any problems in any state with or without my trailer.

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