Please explain the EZ pass system to me

[Anonymous]

My husband recently went to NYC, after signing up for EZ pass in MD. He did not get a transponder. Then he received significant fees for the use of EZ Pass in all the states he traversed to NYC and back. Given we might have to visit NY regularly in the future, is it better to get the transponder? He still couldn't tell me exactly what he signed up for, given he didn't have a transponder. He spent hours on the phone trying to sort it all out.

Thanks for your advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband recently went to NYC, after signing up for EZ pass in MD. He did not get a transponder. Then he received significant fees for the use of EZ Pass in all the states he traversed to NYC and back. Given we might have to visit NY regularly in the future, is it better to get the transponder? He still couldn't tell me exactly what he signed up for, given he didn't have a transponder. He spent hours on the phone trying to sort it all out.

Thanks for your advice.

If he didn't have a transponder, how did he expect the tolls to know he had signed up for EZ Pass?

[Anonymous]

I don’t see how you can use EZPass without a transponder? I thought that was how it worked? I’ve had it for 20+ years.

Each state has their own system but they are interconnected. I would assume you’d need the transponder to share information. I wouldn’t expect it to work just from the license plate.

[Anonymous]

I got the MA one because it had no fees, unlike other states. I just continually fill up a $40 balance. But, they sent us transponders.

[Anonymous]

EZ Pass is much cheaper than paying at each toll gate/bridge etc. Did you sign up online? Is the transponder being mailed to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:EZ Pass is much cheaper than paying at each toll gate/bridge etc. Did you sign up online? Is the transponder being mailed to you?

I don’t think the price changes with EZ.

[Anonymous]

The PA Turnpike has EZPass rates and another price for no EZ Pass.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

I think (but not sure because my husband is very confused), that he thought he could pay the lower EZ pass price if he signed up for free, without paying for a transponder.

He signed up on the MD website, and it worked for MD.
But the other states are billing him high fees for using the EZ pass lanes without being signed up or having a transponder.

I'm just confirming that we do indeed need a transponder! I didn't think his free sign-up would work.

How does the transponder work? You pay for the transponder, and then pay by toll? Is there an additional monthly or annual cost above that?

[Anonymous]

I don't understand the VA special easy pass thing for carpoolers. If I use the MD easy pass, can I not use those lanes?

[Anonymous]

You need a transponder. Md has the plate recognition and they will send you a normal bill. For out of state you need a transponder otherwise they just bill you as if you ran withiht paying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the VA special easy pass thing for carpoolers. If I use the MD easy pass, can I not use those lanes?

Yes you can. But you need a flex pass for the HOV lanes to note on it when you have a kit of passsengers.

[Anonymous]

Each state has their own system. To use the VA HOV Flex lanes, I believe you need the VA Flex transponder. I don’t think you can get that from other states.

Additionally, in many states, they charge lower tolls for in-state EZPass holders than for out-of-state EZPass holders. EZPass is not one management system. Each state manages their own system, but by having the transponder you get the convenience of going through the EZPass lanes instead of the cash lanes. But the toll you actually pay may vary.

For payment, in most states you have an account tied to your credit card. There’s a required amount to start, and then as you go through tolls they deduct it from the account. Once you dip below a certain threshold, they replenish your account by charging your credit card. The threshold and replenishment amount will vary depending on your driving patterns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP here.

I think (but not sure because my husband is very confused), that he thought he could pay the lower EZ pass price if he signed up for free, without paying for a transponder.

He signed up on the MD website, and it worked for MD.
But the other states are billing him high fees for using the EZ pass lanes without being signed up or having a transponder.

I'm just confirming that we do indeed need a transponder! I didn't think his free sign-up would work.

How does the transponder work? You pay for the transponder, and then pay by toll? Is there an additional monthly or annual cost above that?

Your dh registered for Pay by Plate. Thats once type of account and only for MD toll facilities. The other type is transponder account. The transponder inside car is free but there is a monthly fee of $1.50.
The pay by plate is actually higher tolls. All info here and pretty clearly laid out.
https://www.driveezmd.com/acct-types/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Each state has their own system. To use the VA HOV Flex lanes, I believe you need the VA Flex transponder. I don’t think you can get that from other states.

Additionally, in many states, they charge lower tolls for in-state EZPass holders than for out-of-state EZPass holders. EZPass is not one management system. Each state manages their own system, but by having the transponder you get the convenience of going through the EZPass lanes instead of the cash lanes. But the toll you actually pay may vary.

For payment, in most states you have an account tied to your credit card. There’s a required amount to start, and then as you go through tolls they deduct it from the account. Once you dip below a certain threshold, they replenish your account by charging your credit card. The threshold and replenishment amount will vary depending on your driving patterns.

To clarify, you need the special flex transponder to ride through them for free as an HOV. Without the special transponder, you pay the non-HOV price, even if you have the required 2 or 3 people in your car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Each state has their own system. To use the VA HOV Flex lanes, I believe you need the VA Flex transponder. I don’t think you can get that from other states.

Additionally, in many states, they charge lower tolls for in-state EZPass holders than for out-of-state EZPass holders. EZPass is not one management system. Each state manages their own system, but by having the transponder you get the convenience of going through the EZPass lanes instead of the cash lanes. But the toll you actually pay may vary.

For payment, in most states you have an account tied to your credit card. There’s a required amount to start, and then as you go through tolls they deduct it from the account. Once you dip below a certain threshold, they replenish your account by charging your credit card. The threshold and replenishment amount will vary depending on your driving patterns.

You can get a flex transponder from MD. It costs $17or something.