You’ve just opened your E-ZPass statement and spotted charges you don’t recognize. Or maybe you’ve received a violation notice with hefty administrative fees for tolls you’re certain you paid. Don’t panic. Fighting incorrect toll charges is simpler than you might think, but timing is critical.
What Qualifies as an E-ZPass Dispute?
E-ZPass disputes happen when you believe you’ve been incorrectly charged for tolls or received violation notices despite having an active account. Before you start the dispute process, it helps to understand what qualifies.
Common reasons people dispute E-ZPass charges include:
- Incorrect toll amounts appearing on your statement
- Charges for trips you never made
- Maximum toll charges or V-Tolls (Video-Tolls) that seem excessive
- Double-charging for the same toll crossing
- Wrong vehicle classification resulting in higher fees
- Transponder malfunctions leading to violations
- System failures to register payments despite having funds in your account
Many E-ZPass users face this frustration. As one driver shared on Reddit, “We took a trip down to the shore and noticed some of the tolls didn’t register… now I get two separate violations in the mail, each with $50 worth of ‘administrative fees’ for like $6 worth of tolls.”
Timing Matters: Deadlines for Filing Your Dispute
Don’t wait to file your dispute. Each state has strict deadlines that can make or break your case:
- Pennsylvania: Submit within 45 days of the transaction date. Disputes for transactions older than 90 days may be automatically rejected.
- New Jersey: You have 120 days from the violation date to file.
- Other states: Most have timeframes ranging from 30-120 days.
The clock starts ticking from the transaction date—not from when you notice the error. This is why regularly reviewing your E-ZPass statements is crucial.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing an E-ZPass Dispute
The dispute process varies by state, but here’s a general roadmap to get you started:
1. Gather Your Evidence
Before contacting E-ZPass, collect:
- Your E-ZPass statement with disputed charges highlighted
- Your transponder number
- Vehicle registration information
- Photos of any relevant receipts or documents
- Note exact dates, times, and locations of the disputed tolls
2. Choose Your Dispute Method
Most states offer multiple ways to file a dispute:
Online:
- Log in to your E-ZPass account
- Locate the disputed transaction
- Follow the online dispute submission process
By Phone:
- Call your state’s E-ZPass customer service
- Have your account number and disputed transaction details ready
- Explain your situation clearly and concisely
By Mail:
- Complete the toll dispute form (available on your state’s E-ZPass website)
- Attach copies of all supporting documents
- Mail to the address provided on the form
In Person:
- Visit an E-ZPass Customer Service Center
- Bring all your documentation
- Speak with a representative who can review your case
3. Follow Up
After submitting your dispute:
- Note the date you submitted it and any reference number provided
- Follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within 5-7 business days
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
State-Specific Dispute Procedures
Each state manages E-ZPass disputes differently. Here’s what you need to know about the most common E-ZPass territories:
Pennsylvania Toll Dispute Process
If you’re disputing a Pennsylvania toll:
- Complete the E-ZPass Customer Toll Dispute Form within 45 days
- Highlight disputed transactions on your E-ZPass statement
- Include supporting documentation (entry/exit info, vehicle registration)
- Submit via email, mail, or fax to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
You’ll need to provide your transponder number, license plate, entry/exit interchanges, and specific dates and times of the disputed transactions.
New Jersey E-ZPass Dispute Options
New Jersey offers three main ways to dispute charges:
- Online: Access the violation form on the NJ E-ZPass website, enter your license plate and violation number, and select “dispute the violation”
- By Mail: Fill out the “C-1 New Jersey E-ZPass Customers” section on the back of your violation notice and mail it to:
NJ E-ZPass
P.O. Box 4971
Trenton, NJ - By Phone: Call customer service at 1-888-288-6865 or the Violation Processing Center at 1-973-368-1425
Many New Jersey drivers report that calling customer service directly yields the best results: “I’ve always called them and they have waived the admin fees and charged the tolls to my account. It’s no big deal.”
New York E-ZPass Disputes
For New York toll disputes:
- Visit E-ZPass NY’s website to access their dispute form
- Provide your account information and detailed explanation
- Submit supporting documentation
- Wait for the New York Thruway Authority to review your case
New York typically processes disputes within 30 days.
Virginia and West Virginia Options
Virginia: Contact the E-ZPass Service Center at 1-888-860-9361 for guidance specific to your situation. The Virginia toll roads website provides additional resources.
West Virginia: Call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-206-6222. They’ll guide you on what documentation to submit based on your specific dispute. The West Virginia Transportation Department provides a clear process for appeals.
Documentation That Strengthens Your Case
The strength of your dispute largely depends on your documentation. Here’s what you should include:
Must-Have Documents
- E-ZPass account statement with disputed transactions highlighted
- Completed dispute form specific to your state’s toll authority
- Vehicle registration (especially for vehicle classification disputes)
- Photographic evidence (when applicable)
- Written explanation outlining why you believe the charge is incorrect
For transponder-related violations, include your transponder number and account information to verify it was active when the violation occurred.
Evidence for Specific Dispute Types
Different situations require different documentation:
| Dispute Type | Supporting Evidence Needed |
|---|---|
| Duplicate charges | Statements showing both transactions with same date/location |
| Incorrect vehicle classification | Vehicle registration showing correct class |
| Transponder malfunction | Account statement showing proper funding, photos of properly mounted transponder |
| Emergency travel | Mission numbers or special travel codes if applicable |
| Never made the trip | Travel receipts showing you were elsewhere, flight information |
What Happens After You File a Dispute?
Once you’ve filed your dispute, here’s what to expect:
- Acknowledgment: Most agencies send confirmation that your dispute was received
- Review Period: Disputes typically take 15-30 business days to process
- Resolution: You’ll receive notification of whether your dispute was approved or denied
- Refund Process: If approved, credits typically appear on your account within 1-2 billing cycles
If your dispute is denied, most states have an appeals process. Follow the instructions provided in the denial notice to escalate your case.
How to Prevent Future E-ZPass Disputes
Save yourself future headaches by taking these preventive measures:
Account Management Best Practices
- Update your account information regularly: Ensure your payment methods, vehicle information, and contact details are current.
- Monitor your auto-replenishment settings: Set your account to automatically add funds when your balance gets low.
- Review statements promptly: Check your E-ZPass activity at least monthly to catch potential issues early.
- Register all vehicles: Make sure every car you drive is properly listed on your account.
- Replace aging transponders: E-ZPass tags over 3 years old may have failing batteries—request a replacement.
Proper Transponder Installation
Where you place your transponder matters:
- Mount it on the inside of your windshield directly behind your rearview mirror
- If that spot doesn’t work, place it on the right side adjacent to the mirror
- Ensure nothing blocks the transponder (metalized windshields, sun visors, etc.)
- Don’t leave it loose on your dashboard or move it between vehicles without updating your account
When Using Rental Cars or New Vehicles
If you’re driving a rental or new car:
- Add the license plate to your E-ZPass account before traveling
- Some states allow you to transfer your transponder temporarily—check your state’s rules
- Keep receipts from rental agencies in case disputes arise later
When to Consider Professional Help
While most E-ZPass disputes can be handled independently, consider seeking help if:
- You’ve received multiple violations with substantial fees
- Your dispute was denied despite having solid evidence
- The toll authority is threatening collection action or registration suspension
- You’re dealing with tolls across multiple states with different systems
In these cases, contacting your state’s consumer protection agency or consulting with a consumer rights attorney might be worthwhile.
The Bottom Line on E-ZPass Disputes
E-ZPass disputes might seem intimidating, but they’re manageable if you act quickly and have proper documentation. Most toll agencies understand that errors happen and are willing to work with customers in good standing.
Remember these key points:
- Act within the timeframe required by your state
- Provide clear documentation supporting your case
- Be persistent but professional in your communications
- Take preventive measures to avoid future disputes
By staying organized and proactive, you can successfully resolve E-ZPass disputes and avoid unnecessary fees.
