Ever zoomed through a Delaware toll without paying and wondered what happens next? Or maybe you’ve opened your mail to find a surprising violation notice with fees that seem way out of proportion to the original toll amount. You’re not alone in feeling confused about Delaware’s toll violation system.
How Delaware Toll Violations Work
When you miss a toll payment in Delaware, the clock starts ticking. Currently, you have 30 days to pay the missed toll before it becomes an official violation. After that 31-day mark, the state adds significant fees to your bill.
The good news? Changes are coming. DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings recently announced plans to extend this timeframe to 61 days, giving drivers nearly twice as long to pay before penalties kick in. This legislation, created with State Sen. Stephanie Hansen, aims to make the system more driver-friendly.
“It becomes a violation, instead of 31 days, at 61 days,” Hastings explained to the Joint Finance Committee. “And that will give us the ability to then send a bill at 30 days before you get a violation, right? Because most people just want the opportunity to pay.”
The Real Cost of Missing a Toll
What starts as a simple $1 toll can quickly snowball into a significant expense. Here’s what gets added to your bill when a toll goes unpaid:
- $25 administrative fee
- $10 Volunteer Ambulance Company Fund fee
- $15 Fund to Combat Violent Crimes fee
- Possible additional civil penalties of $37.50
This fee structure means a single missed $1 toll can balloon to $88.50 in just over a month. That’s not a typo – an $87.50 penalty for missing a $1 payment!
For the Delaware Memorial Bridge specifically, toll evasion isn’t just expensive – it’s classified as an unclassified misdemeanor. This can mean:
- Fines between $25 and $100
- Possible imprisonment between 10 and 30 days
- Or both
According to Delaware Code § 4129, anyone who refuses to pay, evades, or attempts to evade a toll faces the original toll amount plus a $25 administrative fee and a $25 civil penalty per violation.
Ways to Pay Delaware Tolls
To avoid violations altogether, here are your payment options:
E-ZPass: The Most Economical Choice
E-ZPass offers the lowest rates and most convenient experience. All Delaware toll roads accept E-ZPass transponders, making it the preferred option for frequent travelers.
TOLL BY PLATE
This system captures your license plate information and mails a bill to the registered owner. Be aware that TOLL BY PLATE rates can be up to twice as much as E-ZPass due to higher processing costs.
The Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge pioneered this system in 2019, and as of January 2024, it’s available at all Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission crossings.
Cash Payments (Limited Availability)
Cash payments are still accepted at some main toll plazas during specific hours, but this option is being phased out. Since January 2025, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission no longer handles cash transactions at its four remaining toll bridges.
Toll Cost Breakdown
| Vehicle Type | Cost Range | Factors Affecting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2-axle car | $2.00-$6.00 | Payment method, day of week |
| Trucks | Varies | Number of axles, payment method, day of week |
Fighting a Delaware Toll Violation
If you believe you’ve received a toll violation in error, you can appeal – but be prepared for a complex process with its own costs.
Steps to Appeal a Toll Violation
- File within 15 days of the final judgment from the Department of Transportation
- Submit required documentation:
- Notice of Appeal
- Praecipe
- Citation on Appeal
- Civil Case Information Sheet (New Castle County)
- Pay the required fees:
- $30.00 for the Sheriff
- $135.00 filing fee
After filing, the Court issues a Citation on Appeal to the records custodian at the Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles. The custodian then sends a certified copy of the record and typewritten evidence within 20 days.
You’ll receive a briefing schedule that typically includes:
- 20 days for filing an Opening Brief
- 20 days for an Answering Brief
- 10 days for a Reply Brief
What Doesn’t Work as a Defense
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission won’t accept these excuses:
- Not receiving the violation notice sooner
- Not intending to miss payment or accidentally using an E-ZPass lane
- Someone else was driving your vehicle
Remember: as the registered owner, you’re responsible for any toll violations regardless of who was driving at the time.
Common Frustrations with Delaware Toll Violations
Many Delaware drivers share similar complaints about the toll violation system:
Disproportionate Penalties
Reddit users frequently mention the stark imbalance between toll amounts and resulting penalties. One user reported a $4 toll escalating to $54 with administrative fees, and after appealing, ending up with a total bill of $94. Another received nearly $800 in late fees for toll payments they hadn’t even been notified about.
Notification Problems
Many drivers report not receiving initial toll notices, only to later get hit with violation notices that include substantial penalties. This creates a frustrating situation where drivers have no opportunity to pay the original amount before fees are added.
Appeal Costs Exceeding Violation Amounts
The appeal process itself can cost more than the violation amount. With $165 in fees just to file an appeal, many drivers choose to pay unfair violations rather than fight them.
Recent Developments and Warnings
Toll Amnesty Program
In 2021, Delaware offered temporary relief through a toll amnesty program from October through December. This applied to outstanding toll violations on Delaware State Route 1 and I-95 incurred between January 2014 and April 2020.
Participants could pay just one fee plus the tolls due instead of all the originally assessed fees and penalties. Once paid, the state considered the account fully satisfied.
E-ZPass Text Scam Alert
Be careful of scam texts claiming to be from E-ZPass. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles and Delaware Toll Operations have warned that E-ZPass Delaware never contacts customers via text or email to pay violations or add funds to accounts.
DMV Director Amy Anthony cautions: “Phishing scams are designed to create a sense of panic, catching the receiver off guard and causing them to react before thinking. I urge everyone to think before you click on links of any kind especially those requesting money, payment, personal information, credit card details, social security number, or anything else that could be used negatively.”
Tips to Avoid Delaware Toll Violations
- Get an E-ZPass: It’s the most cost-effective and hassle-free way to travel Delaware toll roads
- Update your address: Ensure your vehicle registration address is current so you receive toll notices promptly
- Check online: If you think you might have missed a toll, check your status at E-ZPass Delaware
- Pay promptly: If you do receive a toll notice, pay it immediately to avoid escalation
- Keep records: Save payment confirmations and receipts for all toll payments
The Future of Delaware Toll Violations
The proposed extension from 31 to 61 days represents a positive shift toward a more driver-friendly system. This change acknowledges that most people simply want a fair chance to pay their tolls before facing hefty penalties.
As Delaware continues updating its toll systems, the focus seems to be shifting toward finding a better balance between effective enforcement and fairness to motorists. The move away from cash payments toward electronic systems like E-ZPass and TOLL BY PLATE streamlines the process for most drivers but may create challenges for those who prefer traditional payment methods.
For now, your best defense against Delaware toll violations is staying informed about the current rules and payment options. With the system in transition, keeping up with the latest changes can save you significant money and frustration.
