Yes, you can absolutely use your E-ZPass in a different car. The transponder is linked to your personal account, not the specific vehicle. It's designed to be transferable between vehicles you own or frequently use. The key is ensuring the transponder is properly mounted on the windshield and that all vehicles are listed on your E-ZPass account to avoid fines.
How It Works
When you drive through a toll lane, the system reads the transponder's signal and photographs your license plate. It first checks if the plate number matches a vehicle listed on your E-ZPass account. If it does, the toll is charged normally. If the plate isn't listed, the system may still charge your account but could also issue a violation notice, as it might assume you're using someone else's tag. To prevent this, log into your online account and add the license plate numbers of all cars you plan to use.
Mounting the Transponder
For reliable reading, the transponder must be mounted correctly. Most models use adhesive strips or a click-on bracket attached to the inside of the windshield, typically behind the rearview mirror. If you're using a rental car, you can often use a portable transponder that sits on the dashboard, but you must still add the rental car's temporary license plate to your account beforehand.
Important Considerations
While convenient, there are a few rules. You cannot use one transponder for multiple cars driving through tolls at the same time. Also, the vehicle class (e.g., standard car vs. multi-axle truck) must match your account type, as toll rates differ. Overall, as long as your vehicles are registered, moving your E-ZPass between cars is a seamless process.
