Hertz Rental Cars always comes in the list of top car rental companies if someone is looking to rent a car. Hertz gives you the freedom to explore new places at your speed. But when you hit the road, tolls can become a topic to discuss.
Well, Hertz has a suitable way to help you deal with toll payments, ensuring you do not get stuck at toll booths or worry about fines.
In this article, we will find out how tolls work with Hertz rental cars, making your travel smoother and hassle-free.
What Are Hertz Toll Charges?
When you drive with Hertz, tolls aren’t free; they come with service fees. You can pick a Toll Day Pass or use PlatePass®, both of which cover tolls plus a set daily fee.
If you skip these and still hit a toll road, things cost more. Hertz will bill you for the toll itself, a daily usage fee, and any extra charges.
Many renters describe these extra costs as hidden fees in Hertz tolls, as they often get it later on the final bill.
In some spots, you can add the service later, but in certain regions, it’s built-in and can’t be turned off. Knowing the fees helps you choose the best option and avoid surprise costs.
How Does Hertz Charge for Tolls?
Paying tolls with Hertz is simple, but you do have choices. You can let PlatePass® handle things for you, or you can pick a Toll Day Pass if you know you’ll hit lots of toll roads.
PlatePass® (Automated Tolls):
This option uses a small device or the car’s license plate to record tolls as you drive. You pay the toll cost plus a daily service fee. No coins, no stopping.
Toll Day Pass (Flat Fee):
With this, you pay one flat fee for the day and drive through unlimited tolls. It’s handy if you’re traveling a lot in a single day.
Hertz Toll Fee Per Day for Passenger Vehicles:
- NSW: $18.70 per day
- VIC: $17.00 per day
- QLD: $13.20 per day
- ACT: $12.10 per day
- WA: $11.00 per day
- SA: $12.10 per day
Daily Rates for Commercial Vehicles:
- All states: $25.85 per day
Note: All prices include GST. And, heavy vehicles pay higher tolls because roads charge more for them.
Hertz’s Toll Service
Hertz offers a toll payment system that takes the stress out of paying tolls during your rental period. Their toll service allows you to drive through electronic tolls without stopping.
They use built-in transponders or scan your license plate to pay the tolls for you automatically. This service is a great option if you are traveling through areas with multiple toll roads.
Whether on vacation or a business trip, Hertz’s toll system ensures you do not need to carry cash or look for actual amounts at toll booths.
It automatically pays the tolls for you. Hertz made this toll service to make your journey smoother, faster, and more convenient.
Take a look at the key points of Hertz’s Toll Service:
- Hertz offers an automatic toll payment system for rental cars.
- Uses transponders or license plate scanning to pay tolls automatically.
- No need to stop at toll booths or carry cash.
- Charges are billed after your trip ends.
How Does Hertz Toll Service Work?
Hertz works with a third-party service called PlatePass. PlatePass allows you to drive through toll roads without stopping.
The system works in two ways, either through a transponder in the vehicle or by scanning the rental car’s license plate. When you pass through a toll, the system automatically charges the toll amount to your account.
This ensures you avoid fines or penalties for unpaid tolls. After your rental period ends, Hertz will bill you for the toll charges, plus a service fee. They will apply these charges to the credit card you used for the rental.
What is Hertz PlatePass®?
PlatePass is the service Hertz uses to manage toll payments. This service works with most toll roads in the United States. It allows you to use electronic toll collection lanes, often called express lanes, without stopping to pay.
This is perfect for drivers who want to save time or are unfamiliar with local toll systems. With PlatePass, you can pass through tolls automatically, and the toll fee will be calculated after your trip.
You will not have to worry about keeping track of each toll you pass or finding the right toll booth.
What Does Hertz PlatePass Do:
- You drive through toll roads without stopping.
- The system automatically charges tolls to your rental account.
- Hertz bills you for tolls and service fees after your trip.
Note: You do NOT pay tolls directly at booths. Hertz charges them later.
What Happens If You Use Toll Roads Without PlatePass?
Skipping PlatePass® doesn’t mean you skip the bill. If you drive on toll roads without it, Hertz still gets the charges and passes them on to you.
The Hertz toll billing time varies, and in many cases, the charge appears days or even weeks after the rental. Here’s what happens:
- Highest Toll Rate: You pay the regular toll, often at the full price.
- Admin Fee: Hertz adds a processing fee for handling the bill.
- Extra Charges: Local toll agencies may add their own fees.
- License Plate Tracking: On cashless roads, your car’s plate is used to record the toll.
Hertz Billing: Hertz gets the toll bill, then charges you for it.
Toll Roads That Are Not Covered by PlatePass
If you drive on toll roads that PlatePass does not cover, we recommend you discuss with the local toll authority to know how to pay.
If you do not pay the toll directly, they will charge you the highest rate. You will also pay a $9.99 fee for each day you use the toll road, plus any extra charges.
Some toll roads may not accept PlatePass:
- If a toll road isn’t covered, pay directly to the toll authority.
- Failure to pay may result in a $9.99 daily fee plus extra toll charges.
Note: Check with Hertz if your travel route includes PlatePass-covered tolls.
Coverage Areas for Hertz’s Toll Service
Hertz’s toll service isn’t everywhere, but you’ll find it in key spots. Here’s where you can use PlatePass® with your rental:
United States
- Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: Uses a transponder so you can cruise through E-ZPass or I-Pass lanes.
- Florida, Colorado, Texas & Northern California Bay Area: Your license plate works like a pass in cashless toll lanes.
Europe
- Italy: PlatePass® works on toll roads across the country.
- Spain & Portugal: Also covered, making cross-border driving easy.
Note: For the latest list of toll roads, always check the Hertz site.
Specific Hertz Toll Policies US State
Not all toll roads play by the same rules. Some states have special setups you should know about before you drive.
These state toll rules for a Hertz rental car can make a big difference in how much you end up paying. Let’s take a quick look so you don’t get caught by surprise.
California
- Golden Gate Bridge: No cash lanes here. You can use PlatePass, your own transponder, or pay the toll authority directly online or by phone within 48 hours.
- Southern California Tollways (SR 73 & SR 91): All tolls are electronic. You can pay online with the “One-Time-Toll” option within 5 days to skip PlatePass fees.
- Limited PlatePass Coverage: PlatePass won’t work on SR 237 or the I-15 Express Lanes.
New York City:
In New York City, the Manhattan Congestion Pricing Zone uses license plate readers instead of toll booths.
So, in NYC, using your E-ZPass with a Hertz rental won’t always work because it’s not linked to the rental’s plate. Charges are billed separately from PlatePass after your rental.
Florida:
In Florida, many toll roads don’t take cash, so Hertz uses PlatePass. You can choose a prepaid daily plan or pay per use, with extra fees if you skip opt-in.
Texas:
In Texas, almost all tolls are cashless. Hertz offers PlatePass to make things simple, but it adds daily fees. If you skip it, charges and admin fees can stack up.
States Without PlatePass
In some states, PlatePass just isn’t available. That means you are responsible for paying tolls directly. If not, you could get hit with a violation.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- Oklahoma (Note: Another program may exist, but PlatePass isn’t the default)
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Utah
Can I Avoid Hertz’s Toll Service?
Hertz’s toll service is not everywhere, but you’ll get it in certain locations. In the U.S., it’s active in places like the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Northern California. In Europe, you’ll see it in Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
It’s Difficult to Avoid Hertz’s Toll Service in Some Situations
- Mandatory e-Toll Systems: In countries like Portugal, every rental is automatically enrolled. You can’t opt out.
- PlatePass® Linked Cars: When Hertz connects your rental plate to PlatePass®, personal transponders usually won’t work.
Yes, You Can Avoid Hertz toll Charges
- Skip Toll Roads with a GPS App: You can skip toll roads by using the “avoid tolls” setting in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. The drive may take longer, but you’ll save on extra charges.
- Pay the Toll Authority Directly: Also, you can pay tolls directly through the local toll authority’s website by entering your rental car’s plate number. Act fast, since most give you only 48–72 hours.
- Use Your Own Transponder: Yes, you can use your own transponder, like E-ZPass, after adding your rental car’s plate to your account. Keep Hertz’s built-in transponder box closed to prevent double-billing.
Benefits of Using Hertz’s Toll Service
- No Stress on Cashless Roads: You can use toll roads that don’t take cash. No digging for coins, just drive, and it’s all taken care of.
- Save Time on the Road: Skip the booths and glide through express lanes. That means less waiting and more moving.
- No Surprise Fines: The service pays your tolls automatically, so you don’t end up with extra bills later.
- Works Without Setup: No sign-ups or prepayments needed. Just drive, and the system does the job for you.
How to Get Hertz’s Toll Service?
Getting Hertz’s toll service is easy. You can add PlatePass when you book your car or say yes at the rental counter.
In many places, the car already comes set up, so all you do is drive. The system works with a small transponder or by using the license plate to record tolls.
It’s available on many roads in states like Florida, Texas, Colorado, and across the Northeast. All tolls and service fees are added to your rental bill.
If PlatePass isn’t offered, you may need to pay tolls directly through the local toll authority.
Conclusion
Driving with Hertz gets smoother when you know how the toll system works. PlatePass® and Toll Day Pass options save you time and keep you stress-free on the road.
But remember, fees can add up fast if you don’t plan ahead. Always check which roads are covered, decide if the pass makes sense for your trip, and avoid surprise costs.
With the right choice, you can enjoy the ride, skip the toll drama, and focus on the fun part of your journey!
Even after all considerations, if you think you were billed incorrectly, you can always dispute Hertz toll charges through their customer service, though the process may take time.
So, be aware of a stress-free rental car experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my toll transponder?
Yes, if it’s compatible with the toll system. Make sure it’s properly mounted and funded to avoid PlatePass fees.
Will I receive a receipt for toll charges?
Yes, you can get a summary of PlatePass charges by entering your rental agreement number and rental date on the PlatePass website.
Are all toll roads covered by PlatePass?
No, some toll roads aren’t covered. In such cases, you must pay the toll yourself to avoid violations.
Can I avoid PlatePass fees?
Yes, you can pay tolls in cash or use your compatible transponder. If you avoid toll roads or pay tolls yourself, PlatePass fees won’t apply.
What happens if I don’t pay a toll?
If you don’t pay a toll, Hertz will charge you the toll amount plus a $9.99 daily convenience fee for each day a toll is incurred.
Where can I use PlatePass®?
You can use it in these states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, and West Virginia.
What does “all-electronic tollways” mean?
It means toll roads that take only electronic payments. No cash. You’ll either need a transponder or you’ll get a bill in the mail from the toll authority.
