Ever been hit with mysterious toll charges weeks after returning your Hertz rental? You’re about to discover everything about Hertz PlatePass costs, how the system works, and most importantly—how to avoid unexpected charges on your next rental. Let’s unpack this often confusing system so you can make smarter choices.
What Is Hertz PlatePass and How Does It Work?
Hertz PlatePass is an electronic toll payment service that automatically charges you for toll roads you use during your rental period. It’s available across the United States and Puerto Rico, but here’s the catch—the system activates differently depending on where you’re driving.
In Northeast states with E-ZPass, a transponder sits in a plastic shield box on the windshield. In Florida and other SunPass regions, the system uses license plate recognition when you drive through cashless toll lanes.
The most important thing to understand: just opening the transponder box automatically enrolls you in the premium All-Inclusive plan, even if you explicitly declined the service at the counter. Many renters learn this the hard way when unexpected charges appear on their credit card statements weeks later.
Hertz PlatePass Cost Structure: The Two Options
Hertz offers two toll payment models, each with significantly different pricing:
All-Inclusive Tolling Option
This premium option charges a flat daily fee regardless of how many tolls you use:
| Region | Daily Rate | Weekly Cap | Activation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (E-ZPass) | $27.99 | $139.95 | Opening transponder box |
| Florida | $13.99 + tax | Varies | Using cashless toll lanes |
| California | $28.00 | None | Opening transponder box |
As a Travel-Dealz blog post reports, one customer was charged the full $140 weekly rate after briefly opening the transponder box for a single toll, despite initially declining the service.
Pay-Per-Use Model
If you don’t opt for All-Inclusive, you’ll instead be charged:
- The actual toll amount (at the highest undiscounted rate)
- A daily “convenience fee” of $5.95-$9.99 for each day you use a toll
For example, if you use tolls on Monday and Wednesday during a 5-day rental, you’ll pay the convenience fee twice plus the cost of the tolls. This can add up quickly if you’re using multiple toll roads.
Regional Differences in PlatePass Costs and Policies
The PlatePass system varies significantly depending on where you’re renting:
Northeast (E-ZPass Regions)
In New York, New Jersey, and other northeastern states, PlatePass uses physical transponders in shield boxes. According to the official PlatePass FAQ, simply opening this box—even accidentally—commits you to the $27.99 daily All-Inclusive rate, capped at $139.95 per week.
A renter in New Jersey reported on Reddit being charged $100 for just three days after briefly opening the box when a toll gate malfunctioned.
Florida and Other SunPass Regions
In Florida, Georgia, and Texas, PlatePass works differently using license plate recognition technology. The daily convenience fee is lower at $5.95, but there’s a significant drawback—you’ll pay premium toll rates up to 300% higher than standard E-ZPass discounts.
According to Virgin Atlantic’s terms document, driving through any cashless toll lane automatically enrolls you in the program, regardless of your intentions.
California Special Cases
California has a particularly confusing system. PlatePass excludes certain routes like Southern California’s I-15 Express Lanes and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you use these roads, you must pay directly via the toll authority’s website within 48 hours or face violations.
The Hertz tolling information page notes these exceptions, but many travelers report receiving erroneous PlatePass charges for these excluded roads anyway, forcing them into disputes.
Hidden PlatePass Costs That Surprise Renters
Beyond the advertised rates, several hidden costs and practices catch renters off guard:
Automatic Enrollment Without Clear Consent
The most shocking aspect for many renters is how they’re enrolled without clear consent. The transponder box policy is particularly problematic—Hertz’s ambiguous “Transponder Use May Be Required” signage fails to clarify that merely opening the box triggers the All-Inclusive rate.
A Tesla renter in New York described on Travel-Dealz how they were charged $140 after assuming the box needed manual opening for toll payment.
Delayed Billing That Complicates Expense Tracking
PlatePass charges typically appear on credit cards 1-3 weeks after rental return, labeled as “Hertz Toll Charge – ATS.” This delay makes expense tracking difficult, especially for business travelers who need to file timely reports.
A FlyerTalk forum member complained about reconciliation issues when charges appeared long after their trip ended.
Premium Toll Rates That Exceed Normal Costs
When using the Pay-Per-Use option, you’re charged the highest undiscounted toll rates, which can be significantly more expensive than what locals pay with their personal transponders. For instance, a $2 discounted toll might cost you $6, plus the daily convenience fee.
A Reddit user noted being charged nearly triple the standard rates for Florida tolls, making a short trip unexpectedly expensive.
How PlatePass Compares to Alternative Toll Payment Options
Before committing to PlatePass, consider these alternatives that could save you money:
Using Your Personal Transponder
The most cost-effective option is bringing your own transponder:
| Transponder Type | Initial Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| E-ZPass | $25 | 30% off peak rates on many toll roads |
| SunPass Pro | $14.95 | Compatible with most Eastern US toll systems |
According to AAA’s toll payment advice, using your personal transponder eliminates convenience fees entirely while securing discounted toll rates. Just be sure to mount it properly and ensure your account is funded.
Cash Payment at Staffed Toll Booths
If your route allows, paying cash at staffed toll booths bypasses the PlatePass system entirely. While increasingly uncommon, many major toll roads still maintain some cash lanes.
Toll Authority Direct Payment
For some toll roads, particularly in California, you can pay directly through the toll authority’s website within 48 hours by entering the rental car’s license plate number. The Golden Gate Bridge program specifically accommodates rental vehicles this way.
The Legal Fine Print: What Hertz Isn’t Telling You
Understanding the contractual aspects of PlatePass can help you avoid or dispute unfair charges:
The Rental Agreement Loopholes
While Hertz’s terms state that using electronic toll lanes “without a personal transponder” incurs PlatePass fees, they’re often unclear about the shield box mechanics. This ambiguity has led to accusations of deceptive practices when renters find unexpected charges.
The PlatePass FAQ clearly states that “opening the shield box purchases All-Inclusive,” but this critical detail is frequently omitted during the rental check-out process.
Congestion Pricing Complications
Beginning in 2025, Manhattan below 60th Street will implement congestion pricing ($9.99-$23.00 daily), which is explicitly excluded from All-Inclusive PlatePass plans. According to Hertz’s website, renters entering congestion zones will face separate $5 daily administrative fees plus tolls.
Dispute Resolution Success Stories
Consumers who contest unfair charges via PlatePass’s dedicated email ([email protected]) have reported some success. One renter’s $139.95 charge was reduced to $39.03 after providing evidence of their opt-out at the rental counter.
However, Hertz typically directs complaints to PlatePass LLC, its third-party billing agent, rather than handling disputes directly. This can extend the resolution timeline significantly.
How to Avoid Unexpected Hertz PlatePass Charges
Follow these strategies to protect yourself from surprise toll charges:
Before Your Rental
- Research your route to determine if toll roads are likely using PlatePass’s location guide.
- If you have a personal transponder compatible with your destination (E-ZPass for Northeast, SunPass for Florida), bring it along.
- Ask about toll options during reservation, not just at pickup when you’re rushed.
During Pickup and Your Trip
- Explicitly decline PlatePass All-Inclusive if you don’t need it, and get written confirmation.
- NEVER open the transponder shield box unless you’ve agreed to the All-Inclusive rate.
- Take photos of the closed transponder box at pickup and return as evidence.
- When possible, use cash toll lanes or routes without tolls.
After Your Rental
- Monitor your credit card statements for “Hertz Toll Charge – ATS” for up to 3 weeks after return.
- Keep all toll receipts and rental paperwork until you’re confident no unexpected charges will appear.
- Dispute erroneous charges immediately with both detailed documentation and clear explanation of what went wrong.
Understanding Your Rights When Overcharged
If you’ve been hit with unexpected PlatePass fees, you have options:
Immediate Dispute Steps
Contact PlatePass directly at [email protected] with your rental agreement, evidence of opt-out, and any toll receipts. Be specific about why you believe the charges are erroneous.
According to FlyerTalk discussions, customer service will sometimes reduce All-Inclusive charges to the Pay-Per-Use rate if you can prove you declined the service.
Credit Card Dispute Process
If PlatePass is unresponsive, consider disputing the charge with your credit card company, citing “charges for services not agreed to.” Provide all documentation of your rental agreement and communications with Hertz/PlatePass.
State Consumer Protection Agencies
For systemic issues, file complaints with your state’s consumer protection agency or attorney general’s office. Multiple complaints about the same practice can trigger investigations into potentially deceptive business practices.
Is Hertz PlatePass Ever Worth It?
Despite its drawbacks, PlatePass can make sense in specific scenarios:
When All-Inclusive Makes Financial Sense
If you’re planning extensive travel on toll roads—especially in the Northeast—the All-Inclusive rate might be cheaper than individual tolls plus convenience fees. For example, driving the length of the New Jersey Turnpike multiple times could easily exceed the daily rate in toll costs alone.
When Convenience Outweighs Cost
Business travelers with expense accounts might prefer the simplicity of a single charge rather than collecting toll receipts. However, the delayed billing can still complicate reimbursement timing.
For Unfamiliar Territories
If you’re navigating an area with complex cashless tolling for the first time, PlatePass eliminates the risk of missing toll payments and incurring violations, which can cost hundreds of dollars more than the service itself.
Real-World PlatePass Experiences from Travelers
Hearing from other renters provides valuable perspective on the real-world impact of PlatePass policies:
A New York business traveler reported on Travel-Dealz being charged $139.95 after briefly opening the transponder box: “I explicitly declined the service at the counter, but later needed to use one toll bridge. I assumed opening the box was necessary for the transponder to work for that single toll, not realizing it would trigger the weekly maximum charge.”
On Reddit, a renter in Florida described receiving $86 in charges for three small tolls totaling less than $10: “The daily fees kicked in for each day we used a toll, plus they charged premium rates. What should have been a few dollars turned into a significant expense.”
A FlyerTalk forum member shared a success story after disputing an inappropriate charge: “I provided photos showing the transponder box was closed throughout my rental. After two emails to PlatePass, they reversed the $139.95 charge completely.”
Future Changes to PlatePass You Should Know About
The toll landscape is evolving, with several changes on the horizon that will affect PlatePass users:
NYC Congestion Pricing Impact
Beginning in 2025, Manhattan’s new congestion pricing will add $9.99-$23.00 daily fees for vehicles entering the zone below 60th Street. Since this isn’t covered by PlatePass All-Inclusive, renters will face additional charges if they drive into central Manhattan.
Expanding Cashless Toll Systems
More regions are converting to all-electronic tolling, eliminating cash payment options. This trend increases the likelihood of renters inadvertently using PlatePass as manual alternatives disappear.
Greater Transparency Requirements
Several states are considering regulations requiring clearer disclosures about toll payment options in rental agreements. These consumer protection measures could force Hertz to provide more upfront information about how PlatePass activation works.
Making Smart Toll Decisions for Your Next Hertz Rental
When planning your next Hertz rental, make toll management part of your preparation:
- Map your route in advance to identify toll roads using tools like Google Maps or the PlatePass location guide.
- Calculate potential toll costs with and without PlatePass to determine which option makes financial sense for your specific trip.
- Consider purchasing a personal transponder if you frequently visit areas with toll roads—the initial investment quickly pays for itself.
- Take photos of the closed transponder box at pickup and return to document your compliance with opt-out procedures.
- Set a calendar reminder to check your credit card statement 2-3 weeks after your rental to catch and dispute any unexpected charges promptly.
By understanding how Hertz PlatePass costs work and planning accordingly, you can avoid the surprise charges that have frustrated so many renters while still enjoying the convenience of electronic tolling when it makes sense for your journey.
