Can I Use My E-ZPass in a Rental Car? E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that is used across many states in the U.S. It offers a quick and easy way to pay tolls without stopping. Many drivers who rent cars wonder if they can use their personal E-ZPass in a rental vehicle. The short answer is yes, but there are important details you need to know.
Below, this article explains how to use your E-ZPass in a rental car, how to set it up, and its alternatives too.
Can I Use My E-ZPass in a Rental? Car What Is E-ZPass?
E-ZPass is a way that allows drivers to pay tolls electronically. Over 19 states use it and some of them are New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. With this device, drivers can pass through toll booths without stopping. This system makes travel easier and faster. When you pass through a toll, the cost is paid directly from an account that you have put money into before. You do not need to do anything, as the payment is made automatically. It happens automatically. Whether you own a car or rent one, having E-ZPass can save time and hassle on the road.
📌Key points about E-ZPass:
- E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system used in 19+ U.S. states.
- Drivers can pass toll booths without stopping.
- Tolls are deducted from a preloaded account.
- It saves time and avoids the need for cash payments.
Can You Use E-ZPass in a Rental Car?
Yes, you can use your E-ZPass in a rental car. It is actually simple and clear. All you need to do is make sure that the rental car’s license plate is linked to your E-ZPass account. You can do this vis online through your E-ZPass account portal. Most rental companies also offer toll services, but using your own E-ZPass can be more convenient and cost-effective.
✅ Well, you can use your E-ZPass in a rental car. Let’s check how:
- You must link the rental car’s license plate to your E-ZPass account.
- You need to bring your E-ZPass transponder with you.
- You should disable the rental company’s toll payment service to avoid double charges.
How to Use Your E-ZPass in a Rental Car? Clear Steps
Link the Rental Car to Your E-ZPass Account: You need to log in to your E-ZPass account. Once you log in, add the license plate of your rental car. You should set the rental period’s start and end dates. This helps you avoid extra charges after you have returned the car. This confirms that toll charges go directly to your E-ZPass account.
Bring Your E-ZPass Device with You: When you pick up the rental car, take your E-ZPass transponder and place it on the windshield. This lets toll booths detect your E-ZPass. The system automatically takes the toll charges from your account, as usual.
Turn Off the Rental Car’s Toll Service: Many rental companies automatically enroll drivers in their toll services. So, to avoid paying twice, choose not to use this service. This will help you prevent double charges.
| Steps | What to Do |
| Link Rental Car to E-ZPass | Log in to your E-ZPass account and add the rental car’s license plate. Set start and end dates. |
| Bring Your E-ZPass Device | Place it on the windshield to ensure toll booths detect it. |
| Disable Rental Car Toll Service | Tell the rental company you will use your own E-ZPass to avoid extra charges. |
Advantages of Using Your Own E-ZPass
Cost Savings: Rental companies often charge extra fees for their toll services. These fees can increase quickly, especially if you plan to use toll roads frequently. Using your own E-ZPass stops these extra fees. You will only pay the toll costs, just like when driving your personal vehicle.
Convenience: There is no need to figure out the rental company’s toll payment system. You know how your E-ZPass works, and there is no learning new. It is a simple, easy process when you link it to your rental car.
No Surprise Charges: When using a rental car’s toll service, sometimes companies tell charges after you return the car. With your own E-ZPass, you will always know the charges. They appear in your account right away, so there is no guessing about the cost.
📌 A quick look at Why should you use your own E-ZPass instead of the rental company’s toll service:
- Saves Money: Rental companies charge extra fees for toll services.
- More Control: You know exactly what tolls you are paying.
- No Surprise Fees: Charges appear in your E-ZPass account immediately.
- Convenience: No need to learn the rental company’s toll process.
Rental Car Companies’ Toll Options
If you do not want to bring your E-ZPass, most rental car companies offer toll payment options. However, these services often come with extra fees. Some companies charge a daily convenience fee, even on days when you do not use toll roads. It is important to understand the terms of their toll payment options before you sign the agreement.
- Hertz: It offers its PlatePass service, which charges a daily fee for unlimited toll use.
- Enterprise and Alamo: These both provide TollPass, which also charges per day fee and toll costs.
- Avis and Budget: They also charge for tolls using e-Toll, adding an administrative fee too.
📌 Rental companies offer their own toll services, but they can be expensive:
| Rental Company | Toll Payment Service | Extra Fees |
| Hertz | PlatePass | fee + tolls |
| Enterprise & Alamo | TollPass | Per-day fee + tolls |
| Avis & Budget | e-Toll | fee + tolls |
💡Note: These services are convenient but usually cost more than using your own E-ZPass.
How to Avoid Rental Company Toll Fees
To avoid unnecessary rental company fees, make sure to bring your own E-ZPass and properly link it to the rental car. Also, make sure to decline the toll payment options offered by the rental company when picking up your vehicle. If you forget to do this, companies may charge you for their toll service even if you use your own E-ZPass.
📌 Follow these tips to avoid unnecessary charges:
✔ Use Your Own E-ZPass: Link the rental car to your account before driving.
✔ Decline Rental Company Toll Service: Tell them you will handle tolls yourself.
✔ Check Your Rental Agreement: Some companies automatically enroll drivers in toll services.
States Where E-ZPass Works
E-ZPass works in many states, including a fair portion of the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. If you are renting a car and traveling in any of these areas, your E-ZPass will work just like it does in your own vehicle.
📌 E-ZPass works in many states, making road trips easier.
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Florida (on select toll roads)
What If You Forget Your E-ZPass?
If you forget your E-ZPass at home, you still have several options. You can either use the rental car’s toll payment system or pay cash at toll booths where available. However, cash payments are becoming less common, and many roads are switching to electronic tolling. It is always better to bring your E-ZPass with you to avoid complications.
📌 If you forget your E-ZPass at home, you have options:
✔ Use the rental company’s toll service (but expect extra fees).
✔ Pay cash at toll booths (if available).
✔ Use online toll payment systems if the state allows it.
💡 Note: Some toll roads no longer accept cash, so having E-ZPass is the best option.
Are E-ZPass Charges Accurate in Rental Cars?
Yes, your charges will be correct as long as the rental car is properly linked to your E-ZPass account. Be sure to double-check the license plate number and rental dates when you add the car to your account. This ensures that all toll fees received during your rental period will be charged directly to your E-ZPass account instead of being charged by the rental car company.
📌 Well, yes, as long as you update your account properly:
- Double-check that the license plate number is correct.
- Set the start and end dates for your rental period.
- Monitor your E-ZPass account for any unexpected charges.
💡 Note: Always remove the rental car from your E-ZPass account after returning it.
Can You Use E-ZPass in Another State?
Yes, one of the biggest benefits of E-ZPass is that it works across state lines. Whether you are driving through New York, New Jersey, or Florida, the E-ZPass system will recognize your transponder and charge your account for toll fee. This is especially helpful if you are renting a car for a road trip in multiple states. You do not need to worry about different toll systems, as long as those areas accept E-ZPass.
✅ Yes! E-ZPass works across multiple states.
- No need to worry about different toll systems.
- It automatically adjusts to different toll rates.
- It is ideal for road trips across multiple states.
💡 Note: If you are traveling to an unfamiliar state, check its toll system in advance.
How to Set Up E-ZPass for Multiple Rentals?
If you rent cars frequently, you might be wondering if it is possible to set up your E-ZPass for multiple rentals. The answer is yes. You can add as many vehicles as you like to your E-ZPass account. Just be sure to update your account each time you rent a new car. You need to remove the previous rental car’s license plate and add the new one before hitting the road.
📌 If you rent cars often, you can manage multiple rentals in your E-ZPass account.
✔ Add each new rental car’s license plate before driving.
✔ Remove old rental cars from your account after returning them.
✔ Keep track of your rental periods to avoid toll mix-ups.
💡 Note: Some states allow adding multiple plates at once. So, check your E-ZPass provider for details.
Conclusion
Using your own E-ZPass in a rental car is a smart action. It saves money, brings comfort, and also reduces confusion regarding tall fees. By linking the rental car to your E-ZPass account and bringing your transponder along with you, you can enjoy a smooth driving experience without worrying about toll payments.
So, the next time you rent a car, take your E-ZPass with you and avoid unnecessary fees toll service fees by car rental companies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my personal E-ZPass in a rental car?
Yes, you can use your own E-ZPass in a rental car. Ensure the transponder is properly mounted to avoid any issues.
Do I need to add the rental car’s license plate to my E-ZPass account?
No, you should not add the rental car’s information to your E-ZPass account. Just make sure your transponder is correctly installed in the rental vehicle.
What if the rental car already has a toll transponder?
If the rental car has its own transponder, you can choose to use it or your own E-ZPass. Be aware that using the rental company’s transponder may result in additional fees.
What happens if my E-ZPass doesn’t register at a toll?
If your E-ZPass isn’t detected, the toll may be charged to the rental company’s account, possibly leading to additional fees for you. Ensure your transponder is correctly mounted to avoid this.
What if I forget to bring my E-ZPass?
If you don’t have your E-ZPass, the rental company’s toll policies will apply. This might include additional fees. Check with the rental agency for details.
