E-ZPass Violations: What Drivers Need to Know

Ever opened your mailbox to find that dreaded envelope from E-ZPass? You’re not alone. E-ZPass violations affect thousands of drivers each year, often catching them completely off guard. Whether you’re a daily commuter, occasional toll road user, or someone who just received their first violation notice, understanding how the system works can save you significant headaches and money.

What Exactly Is an E-ZPass Violation?

An E-ZPass violation happens when you fail to properly pay a toll while using roads, bridges, or tunnels equipped with E-ZPass technology. It’s not just about deliberately avoiding payment – many violations happen to well-intentioned drivers due to simple oversights.

The most common violations include:

• Toll evasion: Passing through an E-ZPass lane without a functioning transponder
• Insufficient funds: Having inadequate money in your account to cover the toll
• Improper installation: Not mounting your transponder correctly on your windshield
• Vehicle class mismatch: Using a transponder registered for one vehicle type in another
• Speeding through toll plazas: Exceeding posted speed limits in E-ZPass lanes

What many drivers don’t realize is that even if you have an E-ZPass tag, you can still receive a violation if your account lacks sufficient funds or if the transponder isn’t properly mounted. The system is designed to be convenient, but it requires proper setup and maintenance to work as intended.

The Real Cost of E-ZPass Violations

When you receive an E-ZPass violation, you’re not just paying the missed toll – you’re facing a cascade of potential penalties that can quickly add up.

The typical violation starts with:

• The original unpaid toll amount
• An administrative fee (often $25-$50)
• Additional processing charges

But here’s where things get expensive. If you don’t address the violation promptly, late fees of up to $50 may be added for each individual violation on your notice. For drivers who receive multiple violations before realizing there’s an issue, this can quickly spiral into hundreds of dollars.

The financial impact doesn’t stop there. Continued non-payment can lead to:

• Account suspension or revocation
• Referral to collection agencies damaging your credit score
• Vehicle registration suspension in many states

According to E-ZPass terms, “Using a transponder in a vehicle of a different class than registered or using the transponder when an account has a negative balance can trigger maximum administrative fees of up to $100 per occurrence.” That’s a steep price to pay for what might be a simple oversight.

Most Common Types of E-ZPass Violations

Understanding the different types of violations can help you avoid them in the first place.

Toll Evasion

This occurs when you drive through an E-ZPass lane without a valid transponder reading. This might happen if you:

• Forgot to mount your transponder
• Have a malfunctioning transponder
• Drive through an E-ZPass-only lane without an account

For perspective, even if you have a transponder but it’s sitting in your glove compartment instead of mounted on your windshield, you’re technically evading the toll since the system can’t detect it.

Account Funding Issues

E-ZPass works on a prepaid system. When your balance gets too low, tolls can’t be processed, resulting in violations. Common funding problems include:

• Depleted account balance
• Expired credit card for automatic replenishment
• Failed bank transfers
• Changed payment methods without updating your account

Technical and Installation Problems

Your transponder needs to be properly positioned to be read by the toll sensors. Improper mounting can prevent toll scanners from detecting your device, leading to violations even when you’ve done everything else right.

Common installation issues:

• Placing the transponder in the wrong location on the windshield
• Mounting it upside down or backwards
• Using a windshield with metallic sun screens that interfere with the signal
• Not using the mounting strips provided with your transponder

Vehicle Classification Violations

E-ZPass tags are registered to specific vehicle classes based on size, weight, or axle count. Using a transponder registered for a passenger car in a commercial truck, for example, is a violation that can result in significant penalties.

What to Do When You Receive a Violation Notice

When that envelope arrives, don’t panic – but don’t ignore it either. Here’s how to handle it:

If You Choose to Pay the Violation

You typically have three options:

1. Online payment: Visit the E-ZPass Violations Manager portal and enter the violation number, license plate number, and state. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your payment.
2. Mail payment: Most violation notices include a detachable portion that you can return with payment to the address specified.
3. Phone payment: Violation notices provide a phone number for payment assistance, such as Delaware’s E-ZPass Violation Processing Center at 1-888-397-2773.

If You Believe the Violation Is Invalid

You can dispute the violation if you think it was issued incorrectly. To do this:

1. Complete the designated section on the violation notice (often “Section C” on the back)
2. Include supporting evidence showing why the violation should be dismissed
3. Mail or fax the completed form to the address provided

Important: Disputes must typically be submitted within 180 days of receiving the violation notice. Missing this window significantly restricts your ability to contest the charge.

Preventing Future E-ZPass Violations

The best way to deal with E-ZPass violations is to prevent them altogether. Here’s how:

Proper Transponder Management

Your transponder needs to be installed correctly to work properly:

• Mount it on the inside of your windshield behind the rearview mirror
• Follow the specific directions provided with your device
• For vehicles with specialized windshields that might cause interference, consider an external transponder for the front bumper

When not using your E-ZPass tag, remove it from the windshield and store it in the silver “read prevention” bag provided with your tag. This prevents unintended readings.

Account Maintenance Best Practices

• Set up automatic replenishment linked to your credit card or bank account
• Regularly monitor your account status through online portals or mobile apps
• Check for low balances or pending transactions that might affect available funds
• Set up low balance alerts if your E-ZPass agency offers them

This table shows the recommended account monitoring frequency based on your toll road usage:

Payment Method Management

Payment issues are among the most common causes of violations. To avoid them:

• Inform E-ZPass immediately of any changes to bank account or credit card information
• Update payment methods before they expire
• Consider linking multiple accounts as backup payment methods
• Some E-ZPass systems require a $10 per tag deposit for accounts without a backup credit card

Special Considerations for Different Drivers

Depending on how you use toll roads, you’ll face different challenges:

For Rideshare Drivers

As a rideshare driver, you’re at higher risk for E-ZPass violations because you:

• Drive more frequently through toll areas
• May operate in unfamiliar regions with different toll systems
• Need to be particularly careful about vehicle classification

Driving through various regions of New York and New Jersey increases your likelihood of encountering E-ZPass tolls and potentially violating rules. Consider creating a dedicated toll tracking system or app to monitor your toll expenses.

For Commercial Vehicle Operators

Commercial vehicles face additional challenges:

• Different toll classes based on size, weight, and axle count
• Higher toll rates than passenger vehicles
• Stricter enforcement and potentially higher penalties

If you operate a commercial vehicle fleet, ensure each vehicle has the appropriate transponder classification and consider implementing a centralized monitoring system for all transponders.

For Occasional Toll Road Users

If you only use toll roads occasionally:

• Check your account status before traveling
• Ensure your payment methods are current
• Familiarize yourself with the specific E-ZPass rules governing the regions you’ll visit
• Consider setting calendar reminders to check your account if you don’t use it regularly

Technical Issues That Can Cause Violations

Sometimes violations occur due to technical issues rather than driver error:

Transponder Malfunctions

Signs your transponder might be malfunctioning:

• You receive violations despite having the tag properly installed and funded
• Toll plazas consistently fail to register your tag
• The light or sound indicator on your transponder doesn’t activate when passing through tolls

If you suspect a malfunction, contact E-ZPass customer service for troubleshooting assistance. If your tag is non-operational for reasons other than misuse, E-ZPass will typically replace it at no charge.

Vehicle-Specific Interference Issues

Certain windshield types can interfere with E-ZPass readings:

• Windshields with metallic sun screens
• Windows with heating elements
• Some types of tinted glass

For these vehicles, external transponders designed for mounting on the front bumper provide an alternative solution.

License Plate Recognition Problems

When transponder readings fail, the system falls back on license plate recognition. Problems can arise if:

• The license plate information in your E-ZPass account is incorrect
• Your plates are obscured by dirt, damage, or frames
• You’ve recently changed vehicles or plates without updating your account

Ensure your license plate information is accurate in your E-ZPass account and keep your plates clean and visible.

The Legal Framework of E-ZPass Violations

E-ZPass violations operate within specific legal frameworks that vary by state but share common elements:

• State laws empower toll agencies to assess administrative fees
• The terms and conditions you accept when establishing an E-ZPass account form a binding agreement
• Toll authorities can refer unpaid violations to collection agencies
• Motor vehicle departments can suspend registrations for unresolved violations

Different toll authorities have specific legal provisions governing how disputes are handled:

• Claims against the Port Authority of NY/NJ are governed by New York State Unconsolidated Laws or New Jersey Statutes
• Claims against the New York State Thruway Authority fall under the New York State Public Authorities Law
• Time limitations for legal actions are strictly enforced, typically with shorter windows than other civil claims

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Ignoring E-ZPass violations is never a good strategy. Here’s the typical escalation path:

1. Initial violation notice with administrative fees
2. Second notice with additional late fees (typically within 30 days)
3. Final notice with maximum penalties (typically within 60 days)
4. Referral to collection agencies (affecting your credit score)
5. Potential vehicle registration suspension through state DMV
6. Legal action in some cases

The consequences get progressively more severe and harder to resolve. What starts as a simple unpaid toll can eventually prevent you from legally driving your vehicle at all.

For speeding violations specifically, the progression typically follows:

1. Written warning notice
2. 60-day account suspension for second offense
3. 90-day suspension for third offense
4. Permanent revocation for persistent offenders