Before you sign away your life savings to the E-ZPass lanes, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Sure, the main lanes look like a mall parking lot on Black Friday, but don't succumb to the temptation of toll lanes until you understand exactly what you're signing up for.
With 395 being the latest highway to add E-ZPass lanes, you can't go far in the DMV without encountering them.
Here's what you need to know:
They track you both by your car's transponder and photos of your license plate ... so don't think you can squeak by unnoticed.
My EZPass photo getting on the turnpike was quite literally me pouring Cheddar Fries down my throat.
— Alex McIntyre (@alexemcintyre) November 7, 2019
Anyone else make a face or maybe flash the EZ-Pass camera when you fly through the toll knowing it’s gonna take a picture cause your balance is too low? No? Anyone? Okay. #ezpass
— B (@BexSchrader) November 13, 2019
The tolls are based on volume, so if traffic is really bad, you're going to pay dearly for the ride. Remember the crazy I-66 debacle?
$46 EZPass toll to DC. https://t.co/lbmTnhjMFF
— Russ Ptacek 🎧 (@RussPtacek) February 26, 2019
If you don't pay your tolls, they're going to escalate with administrative fees and collection costs. Log into your account frequently and make sure you have enough money to cover everything!
It’s 2019, why does EZPASS not have an app or something that easily allows you to put money on your account so you don’t get $50 tickets for $2 tolls LET ME KNOW
— Vic (@Victoriamanna) June 24, 2019
I owe $600 to ezpass... how did I do that...
— tatiiib (@tatiiib1) November 12, 2019
If you ignore the invoices, you're in for a world of hurt. Court costs and DMV restrictions come into play when accounts get really delinquent.
All of this aside, the E-ZPass lanes are great for getting around—if you can afford them.
Me, in the EZPass lane riding past people stuck in traffic: pic.twitter.com/t8RiwEyIND
— twig 🥀 (@_f0rbiddenfruit) January 30, 2019
What are your thoughts on the crazy pricing structure of E-ZPass? Worth it, or no way? Tell us your horror stories in the comments!