Tolls Went Up: Get an E-Z Pass

Many drivers use the handy E-ZPass® system to avoid having to wait in long toll lines when crossing area bridges, or traveling on major highways. While most Brooklyn roads are toll-free, there are three important bridges that require a toll. (The Brooklyn Bridge, however is free!)
Is it worth the trouble? Sure. Because, when trying to get out of Brooklyn, say to go to Long Island beaches, or Columbia County, or Washington DC, saving just a few minutes on every toll can certainly add up to a lot of time — especially on busy holiday and summer weekends.

The only real downside of the E-ZPass® system is that it automatically charges whatever credit card you've put on file — and it's not always the same amount.

What is E-ZPass® ?

It's is an electronic toll collection system. You create an online account and receive a small box that can be placed on your car windshield. This enables you can to get faster lane when crossing a toll area on a highway or a bridge, for instance the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge that connects Brooklyn to Staten Island, in New York City.

Top It Up While You're En Route: Where to Get the New EZ Pass "On the Go"

You can open an account online.
Or, you can just stop at a participating retailer (see list here)and buy a prepackaged "account kit," which in Brooklyn, NYC and also Long Island costs $30. (It is $25 elsewhere.)

It's simple: you just stick the tag on your windshield, and drive off. But you have to register that tag within 48 hours.

If you're already an account holder, and you find you are runnign low, you can just pick up one of these "on the go" passes and add that amount to your account when you get back to your computer.

Where Can You Use E-ZPass® in New York City and Brooklyn

Bayonne Bridge
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel
Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge
George Washington Bridge
Goethals Bridge
Henry Hudson Bridge (No trucks permitted)
Holland Tunnel
Lincoln Tunnel
Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges
Memorial Bridge
Outerbridge Crossing
Queens Midtown Tunnel
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
Throgs Neck Bridge
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Where Can You Use E-ZPass® in Brooklyn

Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel
Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

States Where You Can Use E-ZPass®

Nearly one in three states accept the E-ZPass® toll payment system, including of course New York State. They include:

Delaware
Illinois
Indiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Jersey - Delaware
New York
New York City Area
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Virginia
West Virginia

How It Works

It's an easy system to use, because E-ZPass® keeps an electronic record of your toll usage and account balance. You can get account statements by snail mail, or online, and you also get a reminder in most toll lanes if you have "low balance," when your account reaches a pre-set threshold.
If you need to replenish your account, the system automatically charges your credit credit card. How much? Their system figures this out; your account is replenished according to your average usage pattern.

According to the E-ZPass® website, "Amounts are calculated to equal one month of average use, based on use over the previous 90 days. Replenishment amounts can vary and timing of replenishment is not always consistent."

Tips on Saving Money

E-ZPass New York account holders may be eligible for a resident or communter plans. This is especially relevant if you happen to live in Brooklyn and work in, say, Staten Island. (learn more.)

For Owners of New Vehicles or New License Plates

REmember,if you have either a new license plate or a new car, pdate your E-ZPass® account — or your car won't go through the toll lane without your having to pay cash.

Tip on Discontinuing Your Account: Beware the Packaging

Finally, here's a tip for saving money when you hand in your EZ Pass tag and close your account when, for instance, you move out of state or stop driving because, for instance, you've simply fallen in love with public transportation.
Make sure you package your E-ZPass® tag according to instructions, or wrap it well in aluminum foil.

Why?

Because otherwise your EZPass tag can cost you big bucks.

For instance, if you just dump the E-ZPass® tag in an envelope and mail it back to the MTA Bridges and Tunnels address, it is likely to "read" along the way. That can mean you're charged a whopping $36.24 for crossing the Verrazano-Narrows — on a mail truck that's headed to the EZ Pass warehouse. No kidding.

Tips on closing an account.