You can say toll roads are everywhere in the US and in other countries, too. So, it’s important for you to know what a toll road is and why people pay to use it.
That’s exactly what we have explained in this article. You will learn how toll roads work and toll payment options so you can save your time and money.
Toll Roads Meaning: What is a Turnpike?
Toll roads are special roads that are known as turnpikes or tollways. Actually, these are the roads where you have to pay a small fee when you drive your vehicle on them. Basically, this money is used for the maintenance and construction of the roads or highways.
There are toll booths or toll plazas that are built to collect this money from you. That’s why you always find toll roads in good condition as compared to other freeways.
History of Toll Roads
Who invented toll roads? Well, there was not a single person behind the invention of toll roads. In fact, toll roads have a long history, which started in ancient times, especially in countries like Greece and Egypt.
In the beginning, it was the responsibility of local villagers (parish) to maintain the roads. For this reason, poor people were forced to repair roads without money, and property tax was charged from landlords to provide raw materials.
After that, some special groups were made to collect this tax. For example: “Turnpike Trust” was the group of persons thatt took responsibility for the maintenance of roads in Britain and the US. Right now, toll plazas are constructed to charge this fee with the help of modern technologies like E-Zpass (in America) and electronic tolling.
How Do Toll Roads Charge You/Toll Tag Payment
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Cash Payment
This is the traditional method to pay the toll fee. So, you have to stop your car and pay cash at booths. But in this way, you have to wait for your turn which creates delays and traffic congestion.
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Toll-By-Plate
Toll by plate is the most convenient method to collect your road tax. Actually, a camera is used to capture your number plate or vehicle’s license plate. After that, a detailed bill is mailed to you. Later, you can pay it online through your mobile app or credit card.
Therefore, you don’t need to wait in line to pay the fee. But an additional fee is charged from you by higher authorities. Plus, you have to pay this tax within the due date that is mentioned in your invoice.
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Electronic Toll Collection Device
This is a device that is installed in front of your car for automatic toll payment. So, you have to link your ETC device, like a transponder or RFID, to your account. After that, when you reach the toll booth the antennas of toll booths communicate with your device. So, your device detects the radio signals and automatically deducts the fee from your linked account.
Toll Road Sign
A toll road sign is also used to inform you about the toll booth in advance. This type of sign board simply says “Toll Ahead” or “Toll Road”. It is placed on the road to inform you that you have to pay if you use this road.
So, when you see this sign board, slow down your car and prepare yourself to pay the toll. Sometimes, an image or symbol of a toll booth or car is used on the board to inform you about toll plazas.
What is a Toll Road Violation?
Toll violation means that you intentionally avoid paying at a toll booth to save money. This thing happens in many different ways like;
- You change your route when you see a “Toll Ahead” sign board.
- Sometimes, you damage your plate to hide your identification from the toll booth radars.
- In case of a bank payment, you don’t pay it on time.
- In fact, somehow you don’t install or refill your ETC device and use toll roads for free.
These are some actions that are counted as toll road violations. You should avoid these things when you use a toll road because it can result in fines and penalties.
Toll Road Rules
There are some rules that you should follow if you use a toll road. These rules can change according to your country.
- When you see a “Toll Ahead” sign, you should slow down your vehicle and stop to pay the toll tax.
- Always ensure to maintain discipline and follow other traffic rules.
- Pay according to your vehicle’s charge rate like if you have a heavy truck or a commercial vehicle then you have to pay more at the toll booth.
- You should choose the lane according to your payment method. For example: if you have installed the ETC device on your car then you can use the fast lane.
- If you are in a queue then keep a safe distance from the next vehicle.
- Always use your indicator when you want to change your lane.
- When you receive the receipt from the toll booth, keep it safe because it can be needed on that road again.
- Never try to overtake other cars at a toll booth.
- If you are a driver of an emergency vehicle like ambulance, fire truck and rescue van then you don’t need to stop at a toll booth.
What States Have Tolls?
Basically, there are 35 states in the US that have toll roads, bridges or tunnels. In this list Florida has the maximum number of toll roads on the other hand Alaska has only one toll tunnel. The following are the names of states with toll roads.
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Georgia
- New Jersey
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Washington
- Vermont
- Utah
- South Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Massachusetts
What States Do Not Have Toll Roads?
Some states of the US do not have a single toll road, tunnel, or bridge. So you don’t have to refill your E-Zpass or arrange coins when you visit these states.
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- District of Columbia
- North Dakota
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Hawaii
Advantages of Toll Roads
Toll roads provide you with benefits in many ways. The following are some advantages that you can get when you use a toll road.
- First of all, you find all these toll roads in good condition because the collected tax is used to repair and construct the roads on a regular basis.
- You will notice that there is less traffic on toll roads, that’s why there are no traffic jams. So, you can reach your destination on time.
- Some toll roads are privately owned, so the government feels less burden.
- Vehicles can travel faster on these roads due to their smooth surface and less traffic.
- Toll roads help you minimize environmental pollution as you can avoid traffic congestion.
Who Owns Toll Roads?
The answer to this question depends on your specific country or region. Generally, the toll roads are owned by the government of your country. For example in US, state highway authorities manage your toll roads. Therefore, they charge you the toll tax according to the rules of that government.
Are Toll Roads Privately Owned?
Yes! Some tolls are owned by private organisations and a group of people. Basically, they invest to make a road and then charge you the toll tax according to their expanse and make profit from it.
Moreover, some toll roads have hybrid features like they are managed with public-private relationships. In this case, the company builds the road and manages it for a few years and then hands it over to the government.
Economic Benefits of Toll Roads
Why do we have toll roads? Well, toll roads play the role of the backbone to enhance your economy.
- If your roads are well maintained and have a good traffic flow then your goods will be transported on time which directly increases your business growth.
- According to recent research, the factories near toll roads are 6% more productive than the other factories.
- The consumption of fuel also decreases because you don’t need to change gears and put brakes again and again. In addition, less traffic jams also reduce the usage of fuel.
Final Words
As you can see, toll roads make your travel journey fast, smooth and more organized. If you are aware of its rules, payment methods and potential fines, you can avoid delays and penalties.
You should stay informed and plan your trips confidently. So that you can enjoy the benefits of well-maintained highways.
FAQs
How Long Can You Go Without Paying Tolls?
This thing depends on the rules and regulations of your country. In the case of pay-by-plate, you can pay your toll tax in 5 to 15 days.
What is Toll Plaza Time Limit?
When you see a toll booth, keep the cash in your hands because you commonly only have 10 seconds to pay for it.
Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Tolls?
In most cases, you are charged more if you break any toll road rule but in case of repeated violation of toll booth rules you can face court cases and jail.
When Do Toll Roads Become Free?
In some countries, when the construction cost of the road is recovered from you then the toll roads become free for you.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Toll Roads?
Generally, as a regular driver you have to pay toll tax again and again which is unfair for you. At traditional toll booths you can face traffic congestion. Moreover, some privately owned toll roads charge you more.
How to Pay Toll Road After 5 Days?
If you do not pay the toll tax on time then you have to pay some extra fees within your toll tax as a penalty from the government.
Do Motorcycles Have To Pay Tolls?
Yes! You have to pay toll tax if you are a motorcyclist at toll booths. But some toll booths charge lower fees to bike riders.
