RIVERLINK IN KENTUCKY

One rule to consider when buying your toll pass is to determine where you will be driving most often. Essentially, you want to acquire your pass from the agency that governs the roads you drive most frequently. Usually, this is a state toll or regional authority. Even if you drive routinely across state lines, the state where you drive most often, or where can gain the biggest toll discount rate, are important factors to consider.

The second thing to consider is whether you want to have a moveable transponder unit with extra features, plus the portability option. If, however, that is not a concern for you, then a simple sticker often will do. In such a case, an RFID sticker transponder may be your choice.

The portable transponder is an electronic device resembling a specialty stick-style or box-style transmitter, which will affix to your windshield with suction cups. The electronic components inside a portable transonder are bulkier than in a sticker, primarily because the transponder unit is fully self-contained, including the antenna used to send and receive signals from toll gantries.

The sticker transponder utilizes RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology printed on a flexible circuit.

Both transponder types have the transonder ID number and other basic information stored on them. The ID number corresponds to a database in state records that contains your user account and vehicle information.

Large vehicles, specifically tractor-trailers, and some vehicles with certain options, must make use of an exterior transponder unit that affixes either to the license plate frame or vehicle roof. If the license plate option is unviable, then a roof-mounted transponder can be utilized. Special mounting brackets and mounting screws may be required to mount the transponder to the vehicle's exterior.

Not all states' transponders are yet compatible, although toll interoperability has been mandated by Congress. You may read more about this in our news section. This means you must make sure your toll pass is compatible with other states' tolling systems before you assume your transponder will be read in another state.

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E-ZPass States

The E-ZPass system is the largest interoperable toll collection and payment system in the United States, and it continues to expand, recently adding Kentucky's RiverLink to the list of states with compatible toll passes. Illinois' iPass is also connected to the E-ZPass system.

States connected to the E-ZPass system include Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

In Florida, drivers in the Metropolitan Orlando area, who use E-Pass, will soon find their passes compatible with E-ZPass. The Central Florida Expressway Authority announced November 9, 2017, they had entered into an interoperability agreement with E-ZPass. Compatibility is expected to begin in Spring 2018.

SunPass States

The Sun Pass is used primarily on state and local toll roads in Florida; however, it is compatible with Georgia's PeachPass system. It can also be used in North Carolina. It is also compatible with Orlando's E-Pass. Sun Pass is not compatible with E-ZPass.

E-Pass will be E-ZPass compatible in Spring 2018. That new E-ZPass compatibility will not extend to the Sun Pass transponder, however.

TxTag

TxTag is being integrated across the state of Texas, and it is nearly compatible with all local and state-operated toll roads.

FasTrak

FasTrak is California's statewide electronic toll system. Like TxTag, it is being integrated with all local and state-operated toll roads and bridges.

Other Passes

There are other toll systems in states that operate turnpikes or toll bridges and the like. For instance, Kentucky, which recently became part of the E-ZPass system, uses a system called River Link, for the Ohio River Bridges. In Oklahoma, which has eight regional turnpikes operated by the state, Pike Pass is well known to drivers. Georgia, which has express lanes on its freeways, uses a system called Peach Pass.

To find out about your state's pass, select the state of your choice in the menu.