When your drivers are crossing state lines, it’s critical to ensure that toll compliance is being met every step of the way. Compliance issues can take a toll on your fleet’s budget and success overall, especially if you are dealing with fines, collections, and even registration blocks.
The reality is that toll systems can change from state to state, which is why it’s too common for drivers to violate the rules. Seemingly small nuances matter, which is why your management and team members need to understand the rules in advance to avoid problems and unnecessary expenses.
Toll Payment Across States: What You Need to Know
The first thing you need to understand is which major toll systems are being used in the states where your trucks are driving. Then, you can learn about the nuances of each of these systems to ensure that your fleet is in compliance. The most common toll systems include E-ZPass, SunPass, and FasTrak.
Even though different tolling systems are used depending on the state and location, many of these states share enforcement data through interoperability agreements. So, drivers can use the same transponder across different states and toll roads. The goal is to avoid the need for you to use separate equipment.
One other detail that is important to understand about toll payment across states is that different tolling locations use various methods for tracking the vehicles that are moving through the area. The most common systems use cashless tolls, license plate billing, transponders, or a combination of these options.
How to Travel Smart and Avoid Toll Violations
Your drivers can successfully use the toll roads and avoid violations at the same time. The most seamless solution is to use a transponder in each vehicle that allows multi-state compatibility. The E-ZPass is a great example of a system that works in Texas and many of the surrounding areas.
Of course, you will need to look at the route and determine the specific areas where tolls will need to be paid. It’s important to look into the toll policies of each state where your drivers are going and check out available payment options before hitting the road.
Once these systems are in place and your fleet is using the right transponders, then you can minimize the risk of toll violations by monitoring all activity online. The goal is to catch any missed tolls as soon as possible, helping you avoid late fees and other avoidable penalties.
Got a Violation? Here’s What to Do Next
Even if you are proactive about avoiding violations, circumstances might occur that result in a violation notification. At this point, it’s important to take care of the violation as quickly as possible in order to avoid any additional fees or charges.
Follow these best practices to resolve the violation as quickly and easily as possible:
- Contact the agency listed on the violation to dispute any errors that may be causing the violation.
- If you have any overdue tolls, then they should be paid as soon as possible. Prompt payment helps to reduce the risk of late fees and further enforcement.
- Don’t ignore any toll violations that come through. Everything needs to be resolved promptly so that your fleet can stay on the road.
There might be a temptation to ignore out-of-state tolls because they seem so far away. But there can be a ripple effect if any toll violations are not resolved. For example, out-of-state tolls can be sent to collections, or you might be facing registration holds that can impact your fleet.
Simple Ways That You Can Stay Toll Compliant Anywhere You Drive
A proactive approach can make a big difference to help you avoid toll compliance issues in the future. No matter where your fleet is driving, you need to make sure that the right systems are in place to minimize the risk of issues.
Some of the best practices for maintaining toll compliance include:
- Fleet Management Provider: One of the simplest and most effective solutions to ensure that you are maintaining toll compliance is by signing up with a fleet management provider. These services will keep you on-track at all times.
- Autopay: Always have autopay activated on your toll account. This automatic payment system ensures that payments go through in a timely manner and reduces the likelihood of missed payments.
- Registration: Make sure that your vehicle registration and digital information are up-to-date. Current vehicle details are critical for lane information tracking.
- Routes: The data in your toll management account can be helpful to estimate toll costs and help you plan the ideal routes.
- Data: Always check the data quality and accuracy to ensure that everything is tracking correctly. When you have accurate data, then there are fewer billing issues – helping to reduce the risk of toll violations.
FAQs
How to pay missed tolls?
If you have any toll payments that were missed, then it can be easy to catch up by submitting payments online. This can often be done through your toll management system or by visiting the toll agency’s website (then search by either the violation number or your vehicle’s license plate)
Do toll violations follow you across state lines?
Yes, it’s common for tolling authorities between states to use interoperability agreements. This means that violation data is shared between states. So, if you have unpaid tolls, then it could impact your credit or registration in other states as well.
What’s the best toll transponder for interstate travel?
You have several options to consider, depending on the states where your fleet is usually driving. One of the most popular transponders is the E-ZPass, which covers most states and is an ideal solution for long-distance drivers.
What is the difference between transponders vs. license plate billing?
Transponders are digital devices that are kept in the vehicle, allowing the information to be collected automatically when the vehicle is moving through the checkpoint. On the other hand, license plate billing uses a camera system to capture your license plate information at the toll booths.
Toll Compliance Solutions to Help You Avoid Violations
At Innovative Toll Solutions, we offer proven systems to help you maintain toll compliance every step of the way. If you need assistance with toll management or you are interested in learning more about systems for avoiding violations, then reach out to us to learn more about available services. Contact us today to discuss your needs.