Got hit with a Virginia toll violation notice? Don’t panic. Whether you accidentally drove through an E-ZPass lane without a transponder or forgot to pay a toll, understanding how the system works can save you hundreds in penalties and headaches.
What Counts as a Virginia Toll Violation?
Virginia considers you in violation when you use any toll facility without paying the required amount. This happens in several common scenarios:
- Driving through an E-ZPass lane without a working transponder
- Having insufficient funds in your E-ZPass account
- Missing a payment deadline for a toll-by-plate charge
- Using the HOV/Express lanes incorrectly
The Commonwealth uses automated license plate recognition systems to catch violations. These cameras snap a photo of your license plate when you pass through, allowing the system to mail a violation notice to the registered owner.
Virginia’s Toll Violation Penalty Structure
Virginia’s penalty system can quickly turn a $3 toll into hundreds of dollars if you don’t address it promptly. Here’s what you’re facing:
| Violation | Civil Penalty | Administrative Fee | Total Potential Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st offense | $50 | $25 (if paid within 30 days) | $75+ original toll |
| 2nd offense | $100 | Up to $100 per violation | $200+ original toll |
| 3rd offense | $250 | Up to $100 per violation | $350+ original toll |
| 4th+ offense | $500 | Up to $100 per violation | $600+ original toll |
Virginia law (§ 46.2-819.3) caps your total liability for a first conviction at $2,200, but that’s still a hefty sum for missing a few tolls.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Toll Violations in Virginia
Ignoring toll violations in Virginia leads to escalating consequences:
- Initial violation notice with original toll plus administrative fee
- Second notice with increased fees
- Court summons for unresolved violations
- Registration hold after three or more unpaid violations
- Potential court judgment and additional legal costs
“The worst thing you can do is ignore these notices,” says a Virginia DMV spokesperson. Once your case goes to court, the fees multiply and your options dwindle.
How to Pay Virginia Toll Violations
You have several options for handling toll violations:
Pay Within the Grace Period
If you realize you missed a toll, you can avoid violation fees by paying within six days through the TollRoadsinVirginia portal. This “missed toll” option lets you pay just the toll amount without penalties.
Pay After Receiving a Violation Notice
Received a notice? You can pay:
- Online through the TollRoadsinVA portal
- By phone: 877-762-7824
- By mail (address will be on your notice)
Link to Your E-ZPass Account
If you have an E-ZPass account but didn’t have your transponder, you might be able to link the violation to your account and avoid fees. Call E-ZPass customer service at 877-762-7824 or visit the E-ZPass Virginia website.
How to Dispute a Virginia Toll Violation
Believe the violation is in error? You have the right to dispute it:
- Gather evidence (E-ZPass statements, receipts, photos)
- Contact the toll operator customer service first (number on your violation notice)
- Submit a written dispute if the customer service can’t resolve it
- Appear in court if you receive a summons
Many Reddit users have reported success in disputing violations by providing proof of active E-ZPass accounts.
Avoiding Toll Scams in Virginia
Be alert! The Virginia DMV has warned about a smishing scam targeting toll users. Fraudsters send texts claiming you have unpaid tolls with links to fake payment sites.
Remember:
- Legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text message
- Always verify the source before clicking links
- Report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission
- Only pay through official websites or phone numbers
Common Issues with Virginia Toll Violations
E-ZPass Flex and HOV Mode Problems
The E-ZPass Flex transponder, which allows toll-free travel for high-occupancy vehicles, requires manual switching to HOV mode. Many drivers forget to switch the transponder or don’t understand how it works, resulting in violations.
Administrative Fees vs. Other States
Virginia’s administrative fees are significantly higher than neighboring states. While Maryland charges just $1 in administrative fees, Virginia’s private operators like Transurban charge up to $12.50 per violation. These fees have sparked considerable criticism from drivers.
| State | Administrative Fee |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $12.50-$25 |
| Maryland | $1.00 |
| North Carolina | $6.00 |
Out-of-State Drivers and Toll Violations
If you’re from another state and receive a Virginia toll violation, you still need to pay. Virginia has reciprocity agreements with many states, allowing them to place holds on your vehicle registration back home.
How to Prevent Future Toll Violations
- Get an E-ZPass: The most reliable way to avoid violations is to maintain an active E-ZPass account with automatic replenishment.
- Set Up License Plate Linking: Link your license plate to your E-ZPass account as a backup in case your transponder fails.
- Use the Toll Roads in Virginia App: Download the official app to manage your account, receive alerts, and pay missed tolls before they become violations.
- Check Your Route Before Traveling: Use mapping services to identify toll roads on your route and prepare accordingly.
- Keep Your Address Updated: Ensure your vehicle registration address is current so you receive violation notices promptly.
What to Do About Multiple Toll Violations
If you’ve racked up numerous violations, don’t despair. Take these steps:
- Organize Your Notices: Sort violations by date and toll operator.
- Contact Customer Service: Explain your situation and ask about possible fee reductions.
- Request a Payment Plan: Many toll operators will work with you on manageable payment terms.
- Consider Legal Help: For extensive violations with thousands in penalties, consulting an attorney might be worthwhile.
- Check for Duplicates: Sometimes the same violation is billed multiple times. Verify each charge is unique.
The Future of Virginia Toll Enforcement
Virginia legislators continue to refine toll violation laws. Recent updates to § 46.2-819.3 clarify that administrative fees must be “reasonably related to actual collection costs,” though enforcement varies.
Proposed reforms include:
- Consolidating multiple violations into a single administrative charge
- Creating income-based penalties
- Improving transparency in fee calculations
Until these changes take effect, your best protection is understanding how the system works and addressing any toll issues promptly.
Remember, Virginia’s toll roads help fund critical infrastructure, but you don’t need to pay excessive penalties if you act quickly and know your rights when facing violations.
