Do You Have to Pay Tolls in a Rental Car?
Toll roads are quite common in the United States, and every vehicle must pay a toll. When traveling by rental car, tolls are payable and generally handled via in-car transponders, such as E-ZPass.
For this, rental companies, including Alamo, Hertz, and Thrifty, charge a fee. However, one can opt for cash and online payments at the toll gates. Unfortunately, these payment modes are not available on all toll roads.
Before taking a car, do not forget to learn about toll roads, payment methods, and other relevant details.
How Do Toll Roads Work with Rental Cars?
To pay toll for a car rental, there are a total of 3 different systems used in the country. One must know these to know the suitable option:
Open or Barrier System: Found on shorter roads, tunnels, and bridges, this system charges a fixed amount for passing the toll plaza.
Closed or Ticket System: These are like subway systems, where a toll is charged based on entry and exit routes/points. Some popular roads with a ticket system include the Kansan Turnpike, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the New York State Thruway.
Distance-Based System: As the name suggests, renters will need to pay the toll amount, which is calculated on the basis of the distance covered. This comes with a precise yet complex toll cost structure.
How to Pay Tolls for Rental Cars in the United States?
There are different yet convenient modes available to pay toll for a rental car. However, the selection of the payment method should be made based on the availability, accepted modes, overall fee, available discounts, and more.
Electronic Transponders: This is the most preferred and highly recommended method in New York for rental cars. One can opt for primary as well as secondary transponders. The best thing about this option is that it can offer savings of up to 20% to 50%. Since there are dedicated lanes for this, one can pass through the toll plaza quickly.
Alternative Modes: Apart from the electronic mode, one can choose other payment methods when passing through the toll plaza. Some popular options include license plate recognition, such as video toll or pay-by-plate for a rental car, cash, prepaid cards, debit or credit cards, and others.
Note: Keep in mind that there are state-wise toll pass networks as well. These include FasTrack in California, TxTag in Texas, SunPass in Florida, and E-ZPass on the East Coast.
Toll Policies of Different Car Rental Companies
Every car rental company may have different rules for tolls and related aspects. Therefore, it is necessary to check and read the rules of the respective operators before picking up the car.
Enterprise
Toll policy and rules of this company vary from one pick-up location to another.
They offer TollPass to pay for the tolls across roads.
Within the Northeast regions, one can use a personal E-ZPass.
When in Chicago, opt for the Toll Pass Waiver Program.
The cost of these may start from somewhere around USD 3.95 and USD 4.95.
Avis
For cashless payments on toll roads, Avis provides an e-Toll program.
It also offers the e-Toll Unlimited Program.
Since the charges of each program are different, decide based on the precise travel needs.
Hertz
Choose the PlatePass Toll option to pay the toll amount across the selected toll plazas in the US.
For different vehicles, such as SUVs, larger vans, etc., the toll fee will be higher.
Along with the toll fee, it also applies a convenience fee of USD 5.95 per day.
SIXT
For cashless payments, SIXT has General Toll Service and Express Toll Unlimited options.
The fees or charges for these will depend on the pick-up location and routes traveled.
An admin fee of USD 5 per toll will be charged if a renter chooses SIXT’s toll packages.
Remember: Along with these, Budget, Dollar, Alamo, Fox, National, Payless, and other rental companies in Los Angeles their own toll policies. Before booking, check them to save more and avoid penalties.
Coverage of Different Toll Pass Networks in the US
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of pass systems to pay the toll. However, the coverage area varies for each option. This means E-ZPass doesn't need to be accepted across the country. To avoid confusion and have the right pass, one should know the following:
E-ZPass
Certain parts of Florida
17 states on the East Coast
SunPass
North Carolina
Georgia
Florida
TxTag
Texas
Oklahoma
Kansas
FasTrak
California
US States With and Without Toll Roads
At the moment, there are around 38 states and territories that have toll bridges, toll roads, toll tunnels, turnpikes, and others. However, 12 regions have no toll roads, and others are available.
Knowing the same can help the renters know where toll programs are necessary and where they are not required.
US states with toll roads and facilities
US states without toll roads and facilities
How to Save on Tolls When Driving a Rental Car in the US?
Since you have to pay tolls in a rental car when driving in a toll state, there are some ways to save on the applicable amount/fee. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
Bring a Personal Transponder: Some car rentals may allow renters to bring their own FasTrak, E-ZPass, and others for the rental car. This will eliminate the fee charged by the company. Above all, the toll charges are also lower when paid through these automatic systems.
Rental Place Registration: To avoid defilements and penalties, it is recommended to add the license plate of the rental car for the rental duration. For this, sign in to the personal account of the transponder.
Temporary Account for Registration: In some regions, such as the Bay Area, renters may need a separate account for FasTrak registration. Therefore, create a short-term and temporary account to add the license plate of the rental car to pay tolls at toll plazas directly.
Use Maps to Avoid Toll Plazas: To save on the tolls, use Waze or Google Maps to choose the toll-free roads. Please remember that such roads/routes may be longer than usual. So, plan travel day accordingly.
Pay-by-Plate: When roads are cashless, contact the local/regional toll authority regarding the pay-by-plate rental car options. One can also use the official website to pay directly online. This is an affordable option that daily toll payment service program.
Extra Tip: Renters can also utilize the cash lanes at the designated toll plazas to pay directly. This will eliminate the administrative, convenience, and other operator-based charges.
