Tolls! "(Electronic Toll Collection Only)"?

[LizzyS]

Ok, so I just ran directions through mapquest for our trip to Cocoa Beach for one day of our trip and I see the above statement about toll roads on our journey.

Can someone explain this to me? I figured that we could pay with exact change or cash, but are there some portions that are electronic payment only? If so, how does this work with a rental car? We are renting from Alamo at the CCC. Or is this a mapquest directions thing?

TIA!

 

[Fangorn]

Yes, there are some exits off the toll roads that are electronic collection only. These are typically the less frequented exits.
Alamo has the best policy on tolls of any rental company IMO. All their cars are equipped with the appropriate electronics, so you don't need to worry about it. You will be charged the actual amount of the tolls, plus $3.95 for each day that you have a toll charge. So if you have a toll charge on the first and last day of your 10 day rental, you'll only be charged $7.90 plus the actual toll.

Be aware that these charges will not appear on your statement when you return the car. It may be up to a 45 days later when Alamo bills your credit card for them, as they usually only bill toll charges once a month or so.

Steve

 

[LizzyS]

Yes, there are some exits off the toll roads that are electronic collection only. These are typically the less frequented exits.
Alamo has the best policy on tolls of any rental company IMO. All their cars are equipped with the appropriate electronics, so you don't need to worry about it. You will be charged the actual amount of the tolls, plus $3.95 for each day that you have a toll charge. So if you have a toll charge on the first and last day of your 10 day rental, you'll only be charged $7.90 plus the actual toll.

Be aware that these charges will not appear on your statement when you return the car. It may be up to a 45 days later when Alamo bills your credit card for them, as they usually only bill toll charges once a month or so.

Steve

Whoa, so we can use the electronic lanes and Alamo will just bill us later for any tolls we encounter + $3.95 per day? If that's right, I guarantee my husband will want to do that! Very convenient.

 

[Fangorn]

Whoa, so we can use the electronic lanes and Alamo will just bill us later for any tolls we encounter + $3.95 per day? If that's right, I guarantee my husband will want to do that! Very convenient.

That's correct. Like I said, it's a really great policy. Simple and straightforward.

Steve

 

[LizzyS]

That's correct. Like I said, it's a really great policy. Simple and straightforward.

Steve

Thank you so much for relaying this information to me!

 

[JimMIA]

Yes, there are some exits off the toll roads that are electronic collection only. These are typically the less frequented exits.

It depends on where you go in Florida. Much of the state is gradually transitioning to electronic-only.

In Miami, we have been 100% electronic for a few years...EVERY toll station.

But if you don't have a SunPass (or E-Pass), they do toll-by-plate. SunPass usually gives you a 20%-30% discount on the toll. Toll-by-plate is the regular toll amount and an "administrative fee," which I think is $2.50 for each charge.

The Alamo system sounds like better than anything I've ever gotten on a car rental.

The other option is to buy a SunPass sticker for $4.99 and put some money in the account. Or you can buy the portable transponder for $20 and move it from car to car. (If you are careful, the sticker can also work on multiple cars.) If you get the sticker, be darn sure you REMOVE it from the rental car when you turn it in. You don't want to be paying someone else's tolls!

 

[SmallMama]

Hi,

I have a question. I see that it is mention that FL takes E-pass so does that mean I can just use my I-pass (IL based) since it works with E-pass tolls as well? Anyone with experience?

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Hi,

I have a question. I see that it is mention that FL takes E-pass so does that mean I can just use my I-pass (IL based) since it works with E-pass tolls as well? Anyone with experience?

No. E-pass in FL is NOT the same as the EZ-pass/I-pass system in use in Illinois and 16 other states. EZ-pass only extends as far south as North Carolina (and west to Illinois).

 

[bumbershoot]

Ok, so I just ran directions through mapquest for our trip to Cocoa Beach for one day of our trip and I see the above statement about toll roads on our journey.

Going out 528 or 417 to 528 shouldn’t have electronic-only tolls though. I think heading out 528 to cocoa is about $5. Bring a roll of quarters and some ones, take a moment to go through the toll stops to pay the cash, and don’t bother with an extra 3.95.

 

[SmallMama]

No. E-pass in FL is NOT the same as the EZ-pass/I-pass system in use in Illinois and 16 other states. EZ-pass only extends as far south as North Carolina (and west to Illinois).

Awe , i wish i could.