E-Z Pass info for northeastern USA toll roads
By John C. OGrady

Phil..
I have a correction for the posted story; the escrow account is $25 vise $20. And some recently received info to add..

Take care to observe the posted speed limit and NOT speed through the tollbooths as it's electronically recorded. The first offence results in a WARNING! Future offences may result it forfeiture of the transponder (for a period of time) and possibly a citation. Don't ask me how I know..

John C. OGrady

E-Z Pass info for northeastern USA toll roads
By John C. OGrady

Several folks seemed to be interested in where I got one since my Truck/Motorcycles are not registered in any one of the "Toll grabbing" states listed.

This will work for most of us that travel the Northeast corridor of United States on occasion (couple'a times a year for me). Unfortunately theChesapeake toll road to NC is NOT one of 'em nor is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel (yet??). Take a peek here at the various states (WV, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY & MA) with toll fees that's covered. www.ezpass.com/static/info/facilities.shtml

My brother had told me long ago there was a simple plan available that allows you pay the normal toll fees but NOT have to stop in long lines to wait and pay seemingly always disgruntled toll booth operators. I finally chased it down and here is what I discovered:

In all NY seems to be the most accommodating place to "LEASE" the transponder unit. Within designated classes such as cars/motorcycles, they allow you to list all vehicles it will be used on, hence it can be moved around without penalty (some other state issued transponders are tied to individual licensed units). Seems to me, the most useful basic plan requires you to provide a credit card number along with other typical info. Your card will be charged a $20 escrow fee and, because you provided a credit card there is NO application/deposit fee for the transponder.

You'll soon get it the in the mail and upon using it (transponder), your escrow account will be hit for the standard toll fee's and as you use it up and get close to zero dollars, Your account will be charged another $20 bucks. Ordered mine On-Line, primarily for use with a motorcycle, with no hassle several months ago but just recently got to use it and encountered no problems.

Oops, almost forgot to mention that you'll also have to select a transponder (internal/external mount) that will work with your car (some windshields have metal in 'em that'll interfere with inside mounted versions). Also, upon receipt of the transponder you'll get instructions to call/FAX the shipper to validate the transaction.

Ordered mine from this website www.thruway.state.ny.us/ezpass/index.html

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