EZ pass question

[Donna M]

We have had the NY EZPass for years and have had no monthly charge even though we live in NH and haven´t gone through NY in a long time.

We also have the Sunpass and use the ribbon idea to remind us to bring it home, great idea.

 

[EACarlson]

Not sure if its still true. NY ez pass can be issued by the Thruway authority, MTA and Port Authority of NYNJ.

I believe passes issued by the Port Authority have a $1 monthly account fee, but not the other 2

After further research, this is the correct answer. And this is actually listed in the T&Cs linked by @mgarbowski, listed in the document as PANYNJ Account service fee. There is a NY state law that forbids charging for toll accounts, however because the Port Authority is a co-operative effort, NY law can't be enforced on it. At least that is what my research shows. Too late for the OP, but for anyone looking in the future: EZ-Passes ordered online seem to be hit or miss as to which version you get, buying at a retail location you should look at the serial number of the device and see what the first three numbers are, you want it to say 008 or 004, those are the two covered by the NY law.

 

[_19disnA]

The EZpass issued by Ohio charges a monthly fee regardless of whether or not you use it, but found out you do not get a discount on toll fees when used in other states. Good to check around on the various state websites to see who charges what and if toll discounts are included. Every state doesn't have the same rules. The savings on discounted toll fees alone could save more then the annual fee to have one. Where you drive and how often should be a consideration in deciding where to get your device.

 

[Lewisc]

Drivers planning on using EZ Pass in NY should consider getting an EZPass from NY. Bridge toll is $6.55 using a NY EZ pass vs 10.17 if you use an out of area pass. Those tolls are only collected driving into Manhattan. Discounts are also given on most NY tollroads.

No monthly fee and transponder fee is waived if you sign up for auto refill.

 

[Stratman50th]

I like that idea! The hot pink sticky note I tried to stick to the dashboard didn't work so well.

I'd like to take credit for this and have everyone think I'm a genius, but I'm a pilot and we've been using red flags on covers and stuff forever. But it is proof that it works.

 

[Mle8308]

I'd like to take credit for this and have everyone think I'm a genius, but I'm a pilot and we've been using red flags on covers and stuff forever. But it is proof that it works.View attachment 739616

Thanks for sharing it anyways, I'm definitely going to do this! I was halfway to the terminal at MCO when I remembered I forgot my transponder in the rental. Glad I had the extra time to race back to the rental drop off, they were able to get it back to me so I didn't have to spend the $$ to have it shipped home!

 

[shafke]

Drivers planning on using EZ Pass in NY should consider getting an EZPass from NY. Bridge toll is $6.55 using a NY EZ pass vs 10.17 if you use an out of area pass. Those tolls are only collected driving into Manhattan. Discounts are also given on most NY tollroads.

No monthly fee and transponder fee is waived if you sign up for auto refill.

I always joke about this... NY does not charge you leave but makes it damn expensive to come back.

 

[mgarbowski]

Too late for the OP, but for anyone looking in the future: EZ-Passes ordered online seem to be hit or miss as to which version you get, buying at a retail location you should look at the serial number of the device and see what the first three numbers are, you want it to say 008 or 004, those are the two covered by the NY law.

As it happens, I just had to order a new tag yesterday. I believe, with close but not quite 00% certainty, that if you buy online then the only way you will be issued a Port Authority tag is if you ask for a Port Authority plan when you order it. The different plans are listed at https://www.e-zpassny.com/en/about/plans_popup.shtml.

The benefit of the plans is special discounts, many of which are only available to residents of certain counties or areas, or for certain Green vehicles. But I always go with Pay As You Go and am issued 008 tags.

 

[mgarbowski]

I always joke about this... NY does not charge you leave but makes it damn expensive to come back.

The ruder version of this that I grew up hearing was that (from a NY perspective) you are never charged to go to Jersey but you are charged when you try to get out of Jersey for NY.
Historically, I believe the practice was started because Manhattan traffic heading into the Hudson River tunnels was bad enough as it is even without adding toll collection to the process, so they doubled the toll the other direction to avoid making it even worse. WIth everything cashless and automatic that no longer applies, but I do not expect it to change.