Yes, you can generally use your own E-ZPass transponder in a rental car. The transponder communicates with toll readers regardless of the vehicle you're in. However, you must take one crucial step: log into your E-ZPass account online or via the app and add the rental car's license plate number to your account for the duration of your rental period. This links the car to your account, ensuring the toll is charged correctly to you and preventing the rental company from charging you a hefty administrative fee on top of the toll.
Most major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis permit this, but their policies on fees for using their own toll service can be very expensive if you don't use your personal transponder correctly.
How to Set It Up Correctly:
- Before You Drive: Log into your E-ZPass account.
- Add the Vehicle: Find the section for "Manage Vehicles" or "Trip Permits." Add the rental car's license plate number, the rental start date, and the expected end date.
- Drive Through Tolls: Use E-ZPass lanes as you normally would.
- After Return: Remember to remove the rental car's plate from your account.
Failing to add the plate is the biggest risk. The toll reader will still detect your transponder, but the system will see a mismatch between the transponder's account and the vehicle's plate. This often results in the toll being billed to the rental company, which then charges you the toll plus a daily convenience fee for every day you had a toll, which can add up significantly.
| Rental Company | Policy on Personal E-ZPass | Potential Fee if Using Rental Car Toll Service (per toll day) |
|---|
| Hertz | Allowed | $4.95 USD daily fee + toll costs |
| Enterprise | Allowed | $3.99 USD daily fee + toll costs |
| Avis | Allowed | $3.95 USD daily fee + toll costs |
| Budget | Allowed | $4.95 USD daily fee + toll costs |
| National | Allowed | $3.99 USD daily fee + toll costs |
