The simplest way to pay tolls in a rental car is to use the rental company's own electronic toll pass service, such as Hertz's "PlatePass" or Enterprise's "e-Toll." This transponder is typically already in the car, automatically activating as you drive through tolls. It's convenient but comes with daily convenience fees on top of the tolls. The alternative is to use your own personal transponder (like E-ZPass) if your rental company permits it, or proactively stop to pay with cash or a credit card at manned toll booths. The worst option is a "Toll Violation," where the rental company receives a fine and charges you the toll plus a significant administrative fee, often $15 to $25 per violation.
Understanding the Rental Company's Transponder (e-Toll/PlatePass)
This is the "set-it-and-forget-it" method. The car is equipped with a transponder. When you pass through an electronic toll lane, it beeps and the toll is logged. The rental company will then charge your card on file for the actual toll amount. The critical detail is the daily convenience fee, which applies every day of your rental, even on days you don't use a toll road. This can add up, so it's only cost-effective if you're driving on toll roads daily.
Using Your Own Tag
Some rental companies allow you to use your personal E-ZPass, SunPass, or similar transponder. You must register the rental car's license plate to your account before your trip. This avoids the rental company's daily fees. Check your rental agreement carefully, as policies vary.
Paying with Cash or Card
If you see toll plazas with "Cash" or "Credit Card" lanes, you can stop and pay manually. This avoids all fees but is not possible on many modern, cashless toll roads. It can also cause delays.
The Danger of "Toll-by-Plate" and Violations
Many toll roads now use "Toll-by-Plate," taking a photo of your license plate and mailing a bill. The bill goes to the rental company, who then charges you. This is where the high administrative fees are applied. To avoid this, you must log into the rental company's dedicated toll payment website within a short grace period (usually 2-3 days after your trip) to pay the tolls directly, but this is often a cumbersome process.
| Rental Company | Toll Program Name | Daily Convenience Fee (Approx.) | Per Violation Fee (Approx.) |
|---|
| Hertz | PlatePass | $4.95 - $5.99 | $15.00 |
| Enterprise | e-Toll | $3.95 - $5.99 | $15.99 |
| Avis | e-Toll | $3.95 - $5.99 | $15.00 |
| Budget | e-Toll | $3.95 - $5.99 | $15.00 |
| National | e-Toll | $3.95 - $5.99 | $15.99 |
