Ever found yourself digging for loose change at toll booths or wincing at your monthly toll statement? If you’re a veteran, especially one with service-connected disabilities, you might be eligible for significant savings or even free travel on toll roads throughout the country.
What Veterans Need to Know About EZ Pass Discounts
The EZ Pass system operates across 19 states, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest. While the standard EZ Pass already saves drivers money compared to cash or toll-by-plate options, veterans can access exclusive discounts and exemptions that go well beyond the standard savings.
These benefits vary dramatically by state, with some offering complete toll exemptions while others provide reduced rates. Let’s break down what’s available and how to qualify.
New York’s Exceptional Program for Disabled Veterans
New York offers one of the country’s most generous veterans toll programs through the New York State Thruway Authority. Qualifying disabled veterans can receive completely free, unlimited travel on the entire Thruway system – a benefit that could save frequent travelers thousands of dollars annually.
To qualify for New York’s program, you’ll need to:
- Have a service-connected disability recognized by the VA
- Obtain a fee-exempt vehicle registration from the New York DMV
- Complete and submit Form 21-4502 for automobile adaptive equipment
- Submit the E-ZPass Application for Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue Plan (TA-W5175)
The program is specifically designed for veterans with disabilities that require vehicle modifications. Once approved, you’ll never pay another toll on New York’s extensive Thruway network. More details are available on the Thruway Authority’s veterans page.
California’s Comprehensive Veterans Toll Exemptions
California has implemented some of the nation’s most inclusive toll exemption programs for veterans across its toll roads, bridges, and highways.
SANDAG FasTrak Program
Since January 2023, California has offered qualifying veterans free tolls on virtually all toll facilities throughout the state (excluding high-occupancy toll lanes). In the San Diego region, this includes a 100% discount on the SR 125 Toll Road.
To qualify, you must:
- Own a vehicle with an eligible specialized license plate
- Register that vehicle to a SANDAG FasTrak account
- Provide proof of vehicle registration to customer service
Eligible license plates include those designated for Disabled Veterans, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Legion of Valor members, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Ex-Prisoners of War, and Purple Heart recipients. View full eligibility details on the SANDAG website.
The Toll Roads Program
Similar to SANDAG, The Toll Roads in California offers toll-free travel for vehicles with qualifying California veteran license plates that are registered to an active FasTrak account.
You’ll need to submit:
- An image of your qualifying license plate
- A copy of your valid vehicle registration
- Your transponder number
This program covers veterans with specialized plates indicating disabled status or specific military honors, ensuring those who served with distinction don’t have to pay for using California’s toll roads.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Savings for All EZ Pass Users
While Pennsylvania doesn’t offer a veteran-specific discount program, all EZ Pass users save up to 50% compared to Toll-by-Plate rates. For a veteran who regularly travels the Pennsylvania Turnpike, these savings can add up quickly.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike EZ Pass offers:
- Up to 50% savings compared to Toll-by-Plate rates
- Multiple payment options for convenience
- Seamless travel throughout the Northeast
For veterans looking to maximize their savings, combining the standard EZ Pass discount with other available benefits can make toll roads much more affordable.
New Jersey E-ZPass Benefits
New Jersey’s E-ZPass system offers several discount plans that, while not veteran-specific, can provide significant savings:
| Plan Type | Discount | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizen | Varies | Age 65+ |
| Green Pass | Varies | Qualifying fuel-efficient vehicle |
| DRPA Discount | $18.00 credit | 18+ trips on DRPA bridges per month |
Veterans who qualify for any of these categories can stack these discounts with their veteran benefits for maximum savings. Check your eligibility on the EZ Pass NJ website.
How to Apply for Veterans Toll Discounts
While specific application processes vary by state, most follow these general steps:
- Verify your eligibility based on your veteran status and the specific program requirements
- Obtain the necessary qualifying license plate (usually through your state’s DMV)
- Create or update your E-ZPass or FasTrak account
- Submit required documentation proving your eligibility
- Register your vehicle and transponder with the toll authority’s veterans program
Most programs require proof of veteran status through vehicle registration showing a specialized license plate. Some may also require additional documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Specialized License Plates: Your Key to Toll Savings
For most veterans toll discount programs, obtaining a specialized license plate is the crucial first step. These plates typically include:
- Disabled Veteran plates
- Purple Heart recipient plates
- Congressional Medal of Honor plates
- Ex-Prisoner of War plates
- Pearl Harbor Survivor plates
The application process for these plates varies by state but generally requires proof of your status through military discharge papers (DD-214) and, for disabled veteran plates, verification of your VA disability rating.
State-by-State Comparison of Veterans Toll Benefits
Different states offer varying levels of benefits for veterans. Here’s a comparison of some major toll authorities:
| State | Program | Discount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Thruway Authority | 100% (free) | Disabled veterans with fee-exempt registration |
| California | SANDAG/Toll Roads | 100% (free) | Veterans with qualifying specialty license plates |
| New Jersey | Various discounts | Partial savings | Seniors, green vehicles, frequent travelers |
| Pennsylvania | Standard E-ZPass | Up to 50% off toll-by-plate | All E-ZPass holders |
| Delaware | Frequent User | 50% discount | 30+ trips in 30 days |
Beyond EZ Pass: Additional Transportation Benefits for Veterans
Many veterans don’t realize toll discounts are just one of many transportation-related benefits available to them:
- Public Transit Discounts: Many transit authorities offer reduced fares for veterans. For example, NJ Transit provides discounts for military personnel and veterans.
- State Park Access: Many states offer free or reduced entry to state parks for veterans, reducing travel costs.
- Space-Available Flights: Disabled veterans with a VA-documented disability rating of 100% can access Space-A flights on military aircraft. The VA provides details on this benefit.
- Specialized DMV Services: Many states offer fee waivers for driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations for qualifying veterans.
Recent Legislation Expanding Veterans Toll Benefits
Several states have recently expanded toll benefits for veterans:
- California implemented Assembly Bill 2949 in January 2023, creating the comprehensive toll exemption program for qualifying veterans.
- New York’s Senate Bill S7601 was introduced in 2023 to expand eligibility criteria for the existing disabled veterans toll exemption program.
- New Jersey’s Senate Bill S4167 proposed toll exemptions for veterans with certain specialized license plates.
These legislative efforts show a growing recognition of veterans’ service and a commitment to providing tangible financial benefits that make daily travel more affordable.
How to Maximize Your Veterans Toll Savings
To get the most from available toll discounts:
- Research your state’s specific programs: Contact your local E-ZPass customer service center to ask about veteran-specific discounts.
- Apply for specialized license plates: These are often the key to unlocking toll benefits.
- Combine with other eligible discounts: If you qualify for senior, green vehicle, or frequent user discounts, use these in addition to veteran benefits.
- Keep documentation updated: Ensure your E-ZPass account always has current vehicle registration and veteran status information.
- Consider route planning: If traveling between states, plan routes that maximize use of toll roads where you have the best discount rates.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Veterans Toll Discounts
Veterans sometimes encounter challenges when applying for or using toll discounts:
- Delayed processing: Applications can take several weeks to process. Submit well before planned travel.
- Documentation rejections: Ensure all submitted documents are clear, current, and complete.
- Account linkage problems: Confirm your transponder is properly linked to your veteran discount program.
- Interstate travel complexities: Different states have different programs. Your home state discount may not apply when traveling out of state.
If you encounter issues, contact your toll authority’s customer service department directly. Many have representatives specifically trained to handle veteran-related inquiries.
Taking Action to Secure Your EZ Pass Veterans Discount
Ready to start saving on tolls? Here’s what to do today:
- Determine if you qualify for veteran-specific toll discounts in your state
- Visit your state’s DMV website to apply for specialized veteran license plates if eligible
- Create an E-ZPass account if you don’t already have one
- Contact your state’s toll authority to request veteran discount enrollment forms
- Submit all required documentation promptly
- Follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within 30 days
Veterans have earned these benefits through their service. Don’t leave money on the table by paying full price for tolls when discounts and exemptions are available to you.
By taking advantage of EZ Pass veterans discounts, you can significantly reduce your transportation costs while enjoying the convenience and time savings that toll roads provide.
