I am an EZPass idiot

[Anonymous]

So we don't have an EZ Pass, and it's time to buy one, but here's what I don't understand. If I buy it through the VA DMV website, am I limited to using it in VA? I assume it works on 495, yes (even though trips go to MD)? And what about the NE Corridor? If we drive to PA or NY, do we need a different EZ Pass? I'm sorry to be so stupid.

[Anonymous]

You can get it from VA and use it throughout the northeast corridor. I use mine on trips to PA/NJ all the time (just used it this weekend!)

[Anonymous]

They're good everywhere. But if you want to get some of the special deals (like volume discounts at the MD tolls or an HOV switch in VA), then go through whichever state benefits you the most. You can drive anywhere using any EZ pass.

How did you survive this long without one???

[Anonymous]

I would recommend an EZ Pass Flex. It has a toggle switch to put it in HOV mode, which allows you to use the HOT lanes in VA for free if you qualify for HOV. You can get it from VA DOT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're good everywhere. But if you want to get some of the special deals (like volume discounts at the MD tolls or an HOV switch in VA), then go through whichever state benefits you the most. You can drive anywhere using any EZ pass.

How did you survive this long without one???

Right? I was riding with a coworker who doesn't have one to a meeting. Stopping at the tollbooth to pay was so annoying! I asked why he didn't have one and he said he didn't "like having accounts where money that he could be using is held." Well, okay then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend an EZ Pass Flex. It has a toggle switch to put it in HOV mode, which allows you to use the HOT lanes in VA for free if you qualify for HOV. You can get it from VA DOT.

Is this only available in VA? I've been looking for more information on this online, but the sources usually only show VA. The MD site does not say flex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend an EZ Pass Flex. It has a toggle switch to put it in HOV mode, which allows you to use the HOT lanes in VA for free if you qualify for HOV. You can get it from VA DOT.

Is this only available in VA? I've been looking for more information on this online, but the sources usually only show VA. The MD site does not say flex.

Yes. Get it from VA. The reason is that MD doesn't have any toll roads where there is different pricing for HOV vs non-HOV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're good everywhere. But if you want to get some of the special deals (like volume discounts at the MD tolls or an HOV switch in VA), then go through whichever state benefits you the most. You can drive anywhere using any EZ pass.

How did you survive this long without one???

Right? I was riding with a coworker who doesn't have one to a meeting. Stopping at the tollbooth to pay was so annoying! I asked why he didn't have one and he said he didn't "like having accounts where money that he could be using is held." Well, okay then.

Yeah, if the $25 or so you got stored on your EZ-Pass is going to make or break you financially, you probably got bigger issues to worry about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're good everywhere. But if you want to get some of the special deals (like volume discounts at the MD tolls or an HOV switch in VA), then go through whichever state benefits you the most. You can drive anywhere using any EZ pass.

How did you survive this long without one???

Also, some states charge for the transponder and/or have a monthly maintenance fee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend an EZ Pass Flex. It has a toggle switch to put it in HOV mode, which allows you to use the HOT lanes in VA for free if you qualify for HOV. You can get it from VA DOT.

Is this only available in VA? I've been looking for more information on this online, but the sources usually only show VA. The MD site does not say flex.

Yes. Get it from VA. The reason is that MD doesn't have any toll roads where there is different pricing for HOV vs non-HOV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend an EZ Pass Flex. It has a toggle switch to put it in HOV mode, which allows you to use the HOT lanes in VA for free if you qualify for HOV. You can get it from VA DOT.

Is this only available in VA? I've been looking for more information on this online, but the sources usually only show VA. The MD site does not say flex.

Yes it's a VA offering. We had to pay $10 to keep our flex since we don't use it routinely. But that was a one time fee, and we've had it several years now and most likely made up that money when we do use it (about 6 times a year). If you live in NOVA it makes absolute sense to have an EZ pass.

[Anonymous]

OP, it's confusing. Things are not explained clearly. That is my same question everytime we see an EZ pass lane. Is this going to work or not? So, we drive slowly through it and when it turns green, we are good.
So far, it should work in MOST of the EZ pass lanes. The ones with the same color. It does not work on the fast lanes/HOV lanes.
It can get confusing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it's confusing. Things are not explained clearly. That is my same question everytime we see an EZ pass lane. Is this going to work or not? So, we drive slowly through it and when it turns green, we are good.
So far, it should work in MOST of the EZ pass lanes. The ones with the same color. It does not work on the fast lanes/HOV lanes.
It can get confusing.

Which lanes in this area does EZPass not work? I drive around all the time, and EZPass has always worked for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it's confusing. Things are not explained clearly. That is my same question everytime we see an EZ pass lane. Is this going to work or not? So, we drive slowly through it and when it turns green, we are good.
So far, it should work in MOST of the EZ pass lanes. The ones with the same color. It does not work on the fast lanes/HOV lanes.
It can get confusing.

What "fast lane/HOV lanes" have you had issue with? If there is a giant purple EZPASS sign, your transponder will work.

[Anonymous]

only place my va ezpass has not worked is in Florida where they have their own "sun pass" that doesn't work anywhere else.