Recently expanded my area and now find the need to pass thru toll roads for some of my shops. Is there any chance that retailers might have varying discounts for purchasing the transponders through them? Or is it more of just they price is standard across anywhere you buy it?

Only the states and some local jurisdictions are allowed to sell those. The transponder is very inexpensive and even free in some states.

I bought a transponder in CA about 5 years ago at Costco and got a discount. My usual transponder is from PA, and I bought it at the Acme Supermarket at a slight discount. Where they are sold varies a lot from state to state. So do the fees. I pay PA $3 per year. NJ gets $1 per month. Some states offer discounts on some bridges or tollways when using a transpod=nder from their state, or for frequent commuters. It is very complicated. I decided that I am generally better off paying PA $3 a year instead of NJ $1 per month even though NJ would give me discounts on the turnpike and on some bridges if I traveled them enough. I know some people who have both NJ and PA, and use the one that benefits them the most on any given trip (note that you need to remeber to ut the transponder back into its "scan-proof" bag or you will end up paying twice!).

OP - tell us what state or states you are considering, and you may get more relevant information.

I live in Indiana, but I am originally from Illinois (and I shop both iL/IN regularly), so I have Illinois' version of the EZ Pass, I-Pass. The devices are identical in size and shape, and I-Pass is flawlessly interchangeable with EZ Pass locations. The local Jewel Osco stores sell them, as well as the clear, plastic, windshield-mountable holders for them.

The one convenience of the I-Pass is that I get 1/2 off certain tolls in Illinois with it. As a result, l just periodically update the address and billing credit card that's on-file. There initially was a small fee to activate the I-Pass (since I did it at Jewel Osco vs. ordering one online or picking it up at an Illinois Tollway Oasis center), but it was convenient for me and I've more than earned back that fee in 1/2 off tolls. There is no additional/continuous fee charged for having the device.

I know that many of the toll booths in Indiana still require a stop-n-go even with an I-Pass/EZ Pass device, but the majority of Illinois toll plazas either have express lanes for device owners and/or allow you to continue down the highway without stopping or reducing speed while still wirelessly paying the toll.

Just in the time alone it'll save you over a year, let alone the 5 years I've lived in Chicagoland, make it a must have for every vehicle you own.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/16/2019 11:38AM by timgordon2448.

By state law, they are free in MD to MD residents. Our legislature figured that the state would save $$$ if more people here used EZ-pass. So, now some tollways have no toll collectors; only EZ-pass is accepted.

What do people without EZ passes do? Do they bill them through the mail?

If you enter an EZ-pass only toll road, the first time you may get a terse letter and a bill for toll plus handling charge. BUT, further offences can mean fines. And, YES, they can get the addresses of the owners of out-of-state vehicles.

I was in CA in July and crossed the Golden Gage Bridge, which is cashless and I did not have a transponder. There were signs (and I knew) that I could go online within 36 hours (I think) and input the license plate number of the rental car and pay the bridge fee plus a surcharge. That was still less than what the rental car company would have charged me to use their transponder (EZ-Pass does not work in CA, and while it is called EZ-Pass, EZ_Psss in FL is not the same as the EZ-Pass that works from NC to IL and north to Maine).

At cashless tolls in NJ, there is a way to pay the toll after the fact with a credit card, but I am not aware of the details.

I went over an island in WNY and it had $1 cashless toll. They took the time to snail mail a bill and excepted my credit card for payment. But I knew from prior experience they would come after me, even though I was out of state. Don't mess around with NY, they will definitely contact your state's DMV and try to have your license suspended for minor fines.

Each toll road authority sets its own rates. If you are an occasional user two things to look out for are 1: paying for the transponder (either upfront or monthly) and fees for inactivity. IMO, Massachusetts offers the best deal.

One cannot set up an account online except with the authorities in one's states. However, one can in person. If you are in Massachusetts, just stroll into a AAA Club office. Transponder on the spot regardless of where you live. No monthly fee.

If one is a frequent user, then it may well be advantageous to get an EZPass from one's local authority as they sometimes offer deals for frequent use of a given toll road/bridge/tunnel.