Does EZ Pass work in all States? – Know more

Let’s learn here ‘Does EZ Pass work in all States?’. While going on a long road trip with your friends and family, the only thing you wish for is a safe journey which is possible only if the roads are well-maintained and traffic remains to a minimum. Not just this, while going on a road trip, the one thing that can get quite annoying is the fact that you have to stop to pay at the toll booths. However, now, these have become a thing of the past- now, one can easily apply for an EZ Pass and get a transponder. This means that once you get this, you do not have to stop to pay toll tax!

The EZ Pass works in the following 17 states:

Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What is an EZ Pass Transponder?

A transponder is an electronic device that you attach to your car’s inside of the windshield, right behind the rearview mirror. Each tollbooth has antennas or electronic readers that send signals to and connect with transponders. Let’s find out how this system works:

1. The transponder gets activated as soon as your vehicle approaches a toll booth plaza. The antennas exhibit signals that activate the transponder.
2. The transponder sends a signal to the antenna regarding some basic information about your vehicle.
3. This information is then transferred to the central database.
4. Once the required amount is deducted from your account, the tollbooth, if it has any gate, opens the gate.

Once this is done, one needs to keep in mind that although the EZ Pass Transponder aims to save time, there are certain rules regarding the speed of your vehicle as you pass through the tollbooth. While some states allow 55 miles per hour, others have reduced it to 20 or even 5 miles per hour.

Transponders: Standard or Flex

Now that we’ve acquired ample information regarding the EZ Pass standard transponder, let’s find out what is a Flex transponder and who does it suit best!

In simple terms, a flex transponder is for people who often find themselves traveling with several people and want to avail themselves of discounts. This flex transponder contains an additional switch through which you can specify the number of people traveling. It is best to turn on the switch while you’re on the toll road! 

EZ flex transponder is only beneficial if you travel with many people at once and obtaining it is quite expensive as well. Therefore, the standard transponder is more popular and more convenient to get.

How to get an EZ Pass Transponder

Getting an EZ Pass makes things easier for you. So, if you’re thinking about getting one, we suggest you follow the following steps:

1. The first thing to do is visit the EZ Pass website and enroll yourself. You can also enroll yourself in person at a tollway plaza, but enrolling online is considered to be more convenient and saves your precious time as well.
2. The next step is to select your state. Now, here’s the catch! EZ pass operates in only 16 states and if you live in one that doesn’t use EZ Pass, you’ll be directed to the New York EZ Pass. However, if you select one where EZ Pass operates, then you will be required to fill that application.
3. For the next step, they’ll ask you to mention your personal details- name, address, contact information. Here, you can also opt to receive ‘mobile alerts’ since it informs you when your transponder is used and when your account needs tending.
4. Once this is done, you’ll be asked for information regarding your vehicle- your license plate, the model, year, state, and vehicle type. It is imperative to bear in mind that the EZ Pass you will issue for your vehicle can only be used for your vehicle and no other vehicle.
5. The next thing to do is to just select your plan. You have the liberty to select whether you want a discount on a specific route. They offer many plans and it’s judicious to choose the one that fits you best!
6. To finish this off, all you need to do is pay 25 or 30 dollars, depending on the plan you chose. Now, all you have to do is wait for your transponder to arrive!

Now that we’ve jotted down all the steps, we hope that they are helpful and we hope that you get your transponder in your mail soon!

Conclusion

Obtaining an EZ Pass is no less than a boon; instead of fumbling for cash and wasting time at the tollbooth, you can easily cross a tollbooth plaza within a few seconds with a standard transponder by your side! In the article, we have jotted down the steps through which you can easily acquire a standard transponder, which can be attached behind your rearview mirror, and enjoy that road trip with your friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does EZ Pass work in all states?

No, an EZ Pass is only operational in 17 states of the United States.

2. What is a transponder?

A transponder is an electronic device that is attached behind the rearview mirror. It emits radio frequency signals to the antennas installed at the tollbooth plazas.

3. What is a flex transponder?

Flex transponders are only useful if one travels with many people at once.

4. How to get an EZ Pass?

To get an EZ Pass, all you have to do is register on their website, sign in, and fill in the information required.