The Top E-ZPass Mistakes PA Turnpike Drivers Make

E-ZPass makes driving the PA Turnpike even easier and more convenient. Just mount your transponder in your vehicle under the rearview mirror and your tolls are automatically processed, calculated and deducted from your prepaid account—no stopping, no waiting, no hassle.

Minor oversights can lead to unexpected charges or billing errors. Fortunately, many common E-ZPass mistakes are easily preventable.

Below are the most frequent E-ZPass errors and how to ensure each trip is billed accurately.

Not Mounting The E-ZPass Transponder Properly

If your transponder isn’t mounted properly, the system may not detect it as you pass under electronic tolling equipment.

As the PA Turnpike transitions to Open Road Tolling (ORT), it’s even more important that your E-ZPass is properly mounted. With ORT, transponders are read more often and while the vehicle is going highway speeds so it must be mounted for seamless travel and accurate billing.

Don’t try to manually hold your transponder through a gantry. Taking your hands off the wheel is never safe. In addition, waving a transponder makes it easier to miss a read.

When properly mounted E-ZPass transponders have a 99.5% accuracy rate. Here is how to mount a transponder:

• Clean the area on the windshield before mounting.
• Remove the transponder from its packaging.
• Mount the transponder horizontally under the rear-view mirror, below shaded or black-dot areas by pressing the suction cups against the windshield or removing the adhesive strip on the Velcro mounting strips and pressing them onto the windshield.

Check out this video to learn more about mounting.

Forgetting To Register Or Update Your License Plate In Your E-ZPass Account

If your E-ZPass transponder is not read during a trip, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will use your license plate to match the toll to your E-ZPass account. However, if the license plate is missing or outdated in your account, you may receive a Toll By Plate invoice at a higher rate.

To avoid this, ensure that all vehicles—and their corresponding license plates—are accurately listed and up to date in your E-ZPass account. You can easily make changes to your account online or via the PA TOLL PAY mobile app, which you can download in the Apple app store or via Google Play.

In addition to keeping your license plate information up to date, use caution when installing accessories such as trailer hitches, bike racks, or personal trailers, as these can sometimes obstruct your license plate and interfere with toll processing.

It is against the law to have a license plate that is illegible, obscured, covered or otherwise obstructed in any manner.

Letting Your E-ZPass Account Run Low or Payment Information Expire

E-ZPass accounts rely on automatic replenishment to ensure tolls are processed correctly. If your payment method fails or your balance runs low, tolls may be billed incorrectly or delayed, which can lead to confusion or higher charges.

To avoid this, make sure your credit card or bank information is up to date, pay attention to low-balance alerts, and confirm that your replenishment amount aligns with how often you travel on the PA Turnpike.

You can update credit card and bank information anytime online or via the PA TOLL PAY mobile app, which you can download in the Apple app store or via Google Play.

Not Checking Your E-ZPass Account Regularly

It’s a good idea to check your E-ZPass account regularly. Catching billing issues early makes them much easier to fix. If you don’t, small errors like missed transponder reads or unexpected Toll By Plate charges can add up over time.

To avoid this, it's recommended that you review your account at least once a month.

Delaying A Call To Customer Service

If something on your E-ZPass account doesn’t look right, don’t wait. Contact PA Turnpike Customer Service Center as soon as possible. Many billing issues can be resolved quickly, but delays can make corrections more complicated or allow charges to escalate.

You can reach Customer Service Center by completing an online form or calling 1-877-736-6727. When you call, be sure to have your account number and trip details ready to help speed up the process.

Also, be aware of toll payment scams. Scammers often send fake texts or emails pretending to be toll agencies, hoping to trick you into sharing personal or payment information. The PA Turnpike will never send unsolicited messages demanding immediate payment. To stay safe, always log in to your official E-ZPass account to check your balance or invoices, and be cautious of links or urgent payment requests that don’t seem right.

A Few Minutes of E-ZPass Account Maintenance Can Make Travel Easier

Most E-ZPass account issues stem from small oversights that take only minutes to fix. Before your next trip, take a moment to:

• Check your E-ZPass transponder is mounted properly.
• Confirm your license plate information in your E-ZPass account is accurate.
• Review your payment settings.

It’s a simple way to ensure your next trip on the PA Turnpike is smooth, seamless and billed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions About E-ZPass

Why Does My E-ZPass Transponder Have to Be Mounted Properly?

If your E-ZPass transponder isn’t mounted properly, the system may not detect it as you pass under electronic tolling equipment. A properly mounted transponder ensures that your E-ZPass is accurately read and that you are charged the correct toll.

Where Do I Mount My E-ZPass Transponder?

Here are the steps for properly mounting your E-ZPass transponder:

• Clean the area on the windshield before mounting.
• Remove the transponder from its packaging.
• Mount the transponder horizontally under the rear-view mirror, below shaded or black-dot areas by pressing the suction cups against the windshield or removing the adhesive strip on the Velcro mounting strips and pressing them onto the windshield.
  

Why did I receive a Toll By Plate invoice if I have E-ZPass?

This can happen if your E-ZPass transponder wasn’t read, your license plate isn’t linked to your account, or your account had insufficient funds.

Do I need to register my license plate with my E-ZPass account?

Yes. Registering your license plate helps ensure trips are correctly billed if your E-ZPass transponder isn’t read by the electronic tolling equipment along the roadway.

Do I need to update my E-ZPass account when I change vehicles or plates?

Yes. Any new vehicle or license plate should be added to your E-ZPass account right away to ensure you are invoiced accurately.

How do I dispute an incorrect E-ZPass charge?

Log into your E-ZPass account or contact Customer Service Center at 1-877-736-6727 as soon as possible to submit a dispute. Many billing issues can be resolved quickly, but delays can make corrections more complicated or allow charges to escalate.

Is E-ZPass cheaper than Toll By Plate on the PA Turnpike?

Yes. E-ZPass customers receive lower toll rates than Toll By Plate customers. E-ZPass customers save 50% on tolls.