Getting an E-ZPass is a convenient and secure way to pay your tolls. Your E-ZPass will allow you to skip the line during your commutes on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Learn more about the value of E-ZPasses and how to obtain yours.
What Is an E-ZPass?
An E-ZPass is a type of toll collection system that works automatically, allowing private and commercial drivers to use electronic payments. An E-ZPass Go Pak makes it easier for locals and professional drivers to travel major tollways regularly. Going through the E-ZPass lane is more convenient than stopping at all the toll stations.
When you get your E-ZPass, you will receive an electronic tag, or transponder, that you will need to attach to your vehicle. This transponder sends a signal to the toll equipment so it can detect the pass. Your tag can go on your vehicle's roof, license plate or windshield. The tag will help track your vehicle's travel routes, making it easy to configure payments automatically.
An E-ZPass works when you drive through Toll Points with E-ZPass transponders. The Toll Point will automatically calculate the toll based on your trip information. The Toll Point will then deduct the payment from your E-ZPass prepaid balance. You can also enjoy up to a 60% lower toll rate when you use an E-ZPass, so you will pay less than those who manually proceed through the Toll Points.
The Benefits of Getting an E-ZPass
The main reason people choose to sign up for an E-ZPass is that it makes traveling convenient. You can go through tolls without waiting or digging around for loose cash. E-ZPasses offer many other important benefits:
- Help you save money: You can save money on the discounts you get using the E-ZPass. Toll facilities offer discounts to encourage more drivers to use the passes, which lowers traffic congestion and makes tolls operate more smoothly. The more often you travel, the more money you save.
- Offer flexible payments: You can pay directly from your bank account or use a card or cash.
- Make payments quick and easy: You can set up autopay using your debit or credit card. The money will come out of your account balance when you have to pay a toll.
- Allow you to use rentals: If you need to drive a rental vehicle on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, you can easily add the vehicle's information to your existing Pennsylvania E-ZPass account. You will get the same discounts when using a rental temporarily.
- Provide online access 24/7: You will have access to your account and its services each time you log in. You can check your balance, add funds and print statements.
- Have well-organized customer service: The customer service representatives are local. They are trained to answer account questions and help resolve issues. Customer service is available between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Where Can You Get an E-ZPass?
You can get an E-ZPass tag at AAA and other retailers, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and local stores. Getting an E-ZPass transponder at AAA is an option for AAA members and non-members. When you sign up with AAA, you will pay:
- Prepaid tolls included: You will start with $35 of prepaid tolls.
- One non-refundable charge: The initial annual fee is $3.
- The AAA fee: If you are a member of AAA, you will only pay $4 for your convenience fee. If you are a non-member, you will pay $7 instead.
If you want to order your E-ZPass transponder in person, you can go to a select AAA Central Penn location. The 10 available AAA locations are:
- Camp Hill
- Carlisle
- Gettysburg
- Harrisburg
- Hershey
- Huntingdon
- Lancaster
- Lewistown
- Lebanon
- Lititz
Before you can use your E-ZPass, you will need to activate your account by registering with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC).
Registering Your Transponder
You will need to register your AAA E-ZPass transponder with the PTC if you purchase it from AAA.
To register your transponder:
- Use the online registration service: Go to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's website after you have created your account with AAA.
- Contact customer service: If you cannot use the website to register or would prefer to register via phone, you can contact the PTC E-ZPass Customer Service Center during business hours.
- Be prepared to pay the fee: Pay the PTC's annual fee, which will be deducted from your prepaid balance when you register the account.
If you fail to register your transponder, you could end up with toll violations. You will have to pay an administrative fee for each toll violation. Complete the registration process with the PTC for your E-ZPass before you attempt to use it, and check to make sure your E-ZPass account has been established with the PTC.
You can use your transponder on the Pennsylvania Turnpike 24 hours after successfully registering it, but you have to wait a full 48 hours before you use the E-ZPass on other toll roads that allow it.
If you lack a valid E-ZPass transponder, the tolling system captures images of your license plate. You will then receive an invoice by mail if you are the registered owner of the vehicle you were driving on the toll road. The invoice will contain payment options so you can ensure your toll is taken care of.
Register your transponder and make sure it is valid to avoid having to pay violations.
How to Update Your Credit Card Information
The best way to update your credit card information is online using your E-ZPass Pennsylvania login. You can access your E-ZPass account using an internet browser or the mobile app PA Toll Pay. If you want to update your information by phone or have trouble using the app, you can contact the E-ZPass Customer Service Center.
What States Use E-ZPass?
Using an E-ZPass makes traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike fast and convenient, but you can also use your E-ZPass in several other states where there are toll roads. Some states that currently use other toll payment systems might allow the use of an E-ZPass in the future.
Your E-ZPass is valid in the following states:
- Ohio
- Maine
- Illinois
- Florida
- Indiana
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
- Minnesota
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
Get Your E-ZPass Transponder From AAA
Purchasing your E-ZPass transponder through AAA is simple and convenient. Get an E-ZPass today, and start traveling tomorrow. Find a branch location to learn more about AAA and all the services we provide drivers.
