Cashless tolling will begin tonight, on Friday, November 13, and extend into the overnight hours on the New York State Thruway, according to Governor Cuomo’s office. The state says the conversion will take place simultaneously at 58 tolling locations across the thruway's 450-mile ticketed system. With some 267 million motorists traveling the thruway each year, AAA Western and Central New York supports this move toward a more efficient traffic system.

Cashless tolling, a high-speed electronic toll collection system, is expected to minimize traffic congestion, increase safety, and speed traffic flow. AAA supports traffic management strategies such as expedited passage through tolls that provide commuting advantages. 

What cashless tolling means for drivers:

• Vehicles without E-ZPass tags will have their license plate image captured.
• The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail a toll bill to the registered owner of the vehicle.
• The motorist has 30 days to pay the bill, after 60 days late fees are added, after 100 days a violation fee is added 

To avoid missed bills, late fees and violations, drivers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel New York's roadways, bridges and tunnels by signing up for E-ZPass. With a New York E-ZPass tag, drivers save on tolls across the state, including a five percent discount along the entire 570-mile New York State Thruway. At AAA Travel & Insurance Centers, E-ZPass tags are sold for $25 and come pre-loaded with $25 on the account. As an authorized retailer, AAA sales of E-ZPass tags have increased dramatically over the past few months as motorists prepare for cashless tolling.

As part of the project, American-made steel gantries have been installed to replace cash collection at toll booths. Motorists will notice gantries over the Thruway or on exit ramps – AAA urges motorists to avoid distractions and focus on the roadway. Drivers should not attempt to take photos of the gantries while driving.

Where such electronic systems are in place, AAA believes that motorists’ right to privacy should be protected. AAA WCNY also believes that when it comes to travel and tourism, car rental companies should clearly disclose to customers their policies and procedures regarding the use of cashless tolling facilities and the use of electronic toll transponders. Any administrative fees or surcharges should be fair and transparent.