Do I own the E-ZPass transponder?
No. The transponder is the property of the Virginia Department of Transportation. It is assigned to you for your use. If your transponder is lost or stolen or damaged/altered, you will be charged $10 for a Standard transponder or $20 for a Flex transponder.
What is an E-ZPass Flex transponder?
The E-ZPass Flex is a new, switchable E-ZPass transponder that will let drivers take advantage of toll-free travel on the 495 Express Lanes (now open). The E-ZPass Flex will work on any toll facility where E-ZPass is accepted. The E-ZPass Flex allows travelers to designate themselves as either toll-paying or HOV-3+ vehicles. If there are 3 or more people in your vehicle, and you want to drive on the 495 Express Lanes for free, you need to switch the E-ZPass Flex to display the "HOV ON" mode. The 495 Express Lanes will not charge your E-ZPass account if you travel on the 495 Express Lanes with your E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode and 3 or more people in the vehicle. Drivers traveling alone or with one other passenger will set their E-ZPass Flex to toll-paying mode hide the "HOV ON") and the toll will be electronically debited from their E-ZPass account. The E-ZPass Flex will work anywhere E-ZPass is accepted, regardless of the position of the switch. You do not need an E-ZPass Flex if you do not plan to travel on the 495 Express Lanes with 3 or more people in the car.
What does it cost for an E-ZPass?
In order to open an E-ZPass account online or at a Customer Service Center, you will need to pre-pay a minimum of $35 in tolls.
There are no deposits or other one-time charges required to open an account. The full $35 balance is available to pay for tolls
throughout the E-ZPass network.
Transponders will also be available in select retail stores in E-ZPass On-the-Go Kits for $35. Both Flex and Standard E-ZPass
transponders will be available in Northern Virginia retail stores. The $35 payment for an On-the-Go transponder includes $15
of prepaid toll balance for immediate use plus $20 which will be added to the prepaid toll balance after
the transponder is registered to an account.
All retail transponders can be used immediately but should be registered so that customers can replenish
their prepaid toll balance and continue to enjoy the convenience of toll payment using their E-ZPass without interruption.
Starting September 2012, a Monthly Account Maintenance Fee will be charged to your account. The Fee will be 50 cents for each
Standard transponder and $1 for each Flex transponder issued after July 9th 2012. Flex fees will be reduced to 50 cents until
January 2013 soon after the 495 Express Lanes open.
Note that the transponders remain the property of the Virginia Department of transportation and must be returned to the
Service Center when the account is closed or the customer will be liable for the lost/stolen fee ($10 for a Standard
transponder, $20 for a Flex transponder.)
Where can I use E-ZPass?
In Virginia, you can use E-ZPass on the following toll roads and bridges:
Northern Virginia - Dulles Toll Road, Dulles Greenway, I-495 Express Lanes (now open)
Hampton Roads - Coleman Bridge, Chesapeake Expressway, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, South Norfolk Jordan Bridge (Summer 2012)
Chesterfield County - Powhite Parkway Extension, Pocahontas Parkway (Route 895)
Richmond - Downtown Expressway (State Route 195) from Meadow Street east to the I-95 Interchange, Powhite Parkway from Idlewood Avenue south to Chippenham Parkway, Boulevard Bridge
You can also use your E-ZPass on toll roads in Delaware,
Illinois,
Indiana,
Maine,
Maryland,
Massachusetts,
New Hampshire,
New Jersey,
New York,
Ohio,
Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island,
and
West Virginia.
Click the state for more information.
Will the transponder work if I just hold it up to the windshield?
We do not guarantee any transponder to read if it is not mounted properly. Improper use of your E-ZPass transponder could result
in a toll violation.
Will the transponder still work if I change vehicles?
You can move transponders between vehicles of the same type. All vehicles must be listed on your account to avoid the risk of a violation. You may update your vehicle information online or by calling 877-762-7824.
More E-Z Answers
Glossary
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