All-Electronic Tolling: What Changed
The NYS Thruway Authority completed the transition to all-electronic tolling in November 2024. Every toll barrier has been removed. There are no cash lanes, no toll booths, and no toll plazas to stop at. Overhead gantries read E-ZPass transponders or capture license plates for Tolls by Mail billing.
Why This Matters for Truckers
- E-ZPass is effectively mandatory. Tolls by Mail charges a significantly higher rate.
- No more stopping. Traffic flows continuously through former toll zones.
- Billing changes. Without E-ZPass, invoices arrive 30-60 days later at a premium rate.
- Fleet management. E-ZPass commercial accounts allow consolidated billing for multiple vehicles.
E-ZPass for Commercial Vehicles
Getting E-ZPass
| Option | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NY E-ZPass Commercial | Fleets based in NY | Apply through NY E-ZPass Business Center |
| Multi-state E-ZPass | Interstate carriers | NY E-ZPass works in 19 states and DC |
| Pre-Pass Plus | Carriers with PrePass | Integrates E-ZPass with weigh station bypass |
E-ZPass Commercial Account Setup
- Apply online at e-zpassny.com or call the Business Center
- Provide USDOT number, fleet information, and payment method
- Receive transponders (one per truck) — 25 dollar deposit per transponder
- Mount transponder on windshield per instructions
- Allow 5-7 business days for activation
:::tip NY E-ZPass is interoperable with E-ZPass in 18 other states plus DC. One transponder covers the entire Northeast toll network including the NJ Turnpike, PA Turnpike, Mass Pike, Ohio Turnpike, and all NYC bridges and tunnels. :::
Thruway Toll Rates (I-87 / I-90)
The NYS Thruway charges by distance and vehicle class. Commercial vehicles are classified by axle count.
Vehicle Classes
| Class | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 2L | 2-axle, low clearance | Pickup trucks |
| 2H | 2-axle, high clearance | Straight trucks, box trucks |
| 3 | 3-axle | Single-unit trucks |
| 4 | 4-axle | Truck-trailer combinations |
| 5H | 5-axle, high clearance | Standard tractor-trailer |
| 6+ | 6 or more axles | Multi-trailer, heavy haul |
Sample Toll Rates (5-Axle Class 5H, E-ZPass)
| Route | Distance | Approximate Toll |
|---|---|---|
| NYC (I-87 Exit 15) to Albany (Exit 24) | 150 miles | $25-30 |
| Albany (Exit 24) to Syracuse (Exit 34A) | 150 miles | $25-30 |
| Syracuse (Exit 34A) to Rochester (Exit 45) | 90 miles | $16-20 |
| Rochester (Exit 45) to Buffalo (Exit 49) | 75 miles | $14-18 |
| NYC to Buffalo (full crossing) | 365 miles | $80-95 |
| NYC to PA Border (I-90 West) | 400 miles | $85-100 |
Rates are approximate and subject to periodic increases. Check thruway.ny.gov for current rates.
Tolls by Mail (No E-ZPass)
Without E-ZPass, the Thruway Authority photographs your license plate and mails an invoice. Key differences:
- Higher rate: Approximately 15-30 percent premium over E-ZPass rates
- Delayed billing: Invoices arrive 30-60 days after travel
- Administrative fees: Additional per-transaction fees apply
- Collection risk: Unpaid tolls result in registration holds and fleet-wide violations
Other New York Tolls
NYC Bridges and Tunnels (MTA)
All MTA crossings require E-ZPass or use Tolls by Mail.
| Crossing | 5-Axle E-ZPass (Peak) | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington Bridge | $60+ | Both |
| Lincoln Tunnel | $60+ | Westbound only |
| Holland Tunnel | $60+ | Westbound only |
| Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | $50+ | Eastbound only |
| Bayonne Bridge | $60+ | Westbound only |
| Goethals Bridge | $60+ | Westbound only |
| Outerbridge Crossing | $60+ | Westbound only |
Congestion Pricing (MTA)
In addition to bridge/tunnel tolls, trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street pay:
- Large trucks (over 64,000 lbs): 24 dollars peak / 12 dollars overnight
- Small trucks (under 64,000 lbs): 14.40 dollars peak / 7.20 dollars overnight
Credits are applied for certain bridge and tunnel tolls to avoid double-charging. See the NYC truck routes guide for details.
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (Tappan Zee)
| Vehicle | E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail |
|---|---|---|
| 5-axle combo | $6.12 | $8.36 |
Northbound toll only.
Planning Your Toll Budget
A carrier running a round trip from New Jersey through NYC to Buffalo and back can expect:
| Toll | Cost (each way) |
|---|---|
| GW Bridge | $60+ |
| Thruway NYC to Buffalo | $85-100 |
| Cuomo Bridge (if applicable) | $6.12 |
| Congestion pricing (if entering Manhattan) | $24 |
| Round trip total | $340-420+ |
These costs must be factored into your per-mile and per-load pricing. New York tolls are among the highest in the nation for commercial vehicles.
Toll-Related Insurance Note
Toll costs are not insurable expenses, but they affect your operating economics and therefore your insurance profile. Carriers with thin margins due to toll burden are at higher risk of deferred maintenance and underinsurance. RMS reviews your full operating picture — including toll exposure — when building your coverage.
For New York trucking insurance that accounts for your toll corridor operations, call RMS at (208) 800-0640.
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