How to Get a New Jersey E-ZPass

Many New Jersey motorists who use the toll bridges and roads on a regular basis choose to get an E-ZPass. The E-ZPass transponder is attached to the vehicle's front windshield and allows your toll to be collected electronically. Motorists using the E-ZPASS do not need to pay at toll booths, because the fees are automatically deducted from a prepaid account. E-ZPass is a multi-state toll collection system, and motorists can use the same transponder in the participating states.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick up an E-ZPass transponder at your a New Jersey customer service center (CSC) or enroll online. Application forms can also be printed and then mailed. Up to four vehicle can be on the same account and you can use a single transponder or get one for each vehicle.

2. Add money to the account. Set up automatic replenishment to have funds charged on a credit card or checking account whenever your account reaches a preset minimum amount. Alternatively, you may opt to maintain a balance by making payments with cash at a CSC, use a credit card by phone or mail a check. Contact the CSC at (888) AUTO-TOLL to make changes to your account.

3. Install the E-ZPass transponder on the inside of the front windshield behind the rearview mirror. It mounts on dual lock fastening strips and can be easily removed and used in another vehicle.

4. Drive in the E-ZPass dedicated lanes when approaching a toll plaza. You may need to slow down or even stop if the E-ZPass lane is a converted manual toll lane; otherwise, maintain highway speeds through the toll plaza. A device positioned above the toll lane reads an electronic signal from your tag as you pass through and deducts the required toll from your prepaid account.

5. Access account information online. You will receive a monthly or bi-monthly statement detailing all transactions and payments. Use this statement to expense tolls for business purposes.

Tips & Warnings

• Some toll facilities offer E-ZPass customers automatic discounts. There are also pre-pay discount plans for frequent users of specific tollways and bridges.

• A small deposit fee is charged for each transponder. The deposit is waived if you sign up for automatic replenishment.

• E-ZPass Plus is a feature that allows you to pay for parking at airports and other select garages out of your E-ZPass account.

• Notify the New Jersey CSC immediately if your vehicle is sold or stolen so they can deactivate the account.

• You may want to remove the transponder from your unattended car to prevent it from being stolen.

• Remember to update your E-ZPASS account information when you get a credit card with a new expiration date.

• Make sure you always have sufficient funds in your E-ZPASS account to cover tolls. You may be charged an administrative fee if your balance falls below zero.