Stop the E-ZPass
Fee Trap
New Yorkers are being hit with excessive late fees, violation charges, and collection costs — turning small toll balances into devastating bills. Help us document the scale of this problem.
- One Staten Island driver owed $3,211 in tolls — and was billed $14,350 in late fees alone
- Drivers report fees from expired cards, address changes, transponder errors, and plate mismatches
- Most drivers have no clear path to dispute charges or set up a payment plan
Your story matters. Share your E-ZPass experience through our simple online form.
Whether you’ve been charged unexpected fees, faced collection actions, or struggled to dispute a bill — we want to hear from you. Every submission strengthens our case for reform.
Small Tolls Should Not
Become Financial Traps
E-ZPass is operated by public tolling authorities — the MTA, NYS Thruway Authority, and Port Authority — but private contractors handle billing, customer service, and enforcement. When something goes wrong, drivers often have no idea until fees have multiplied far beyond the original toll balance.
CBS New York reported that one Staten Island driver was billed $14,350 in late fees from just $3,211 in tolls on one account — and $4,900 in late fees from $921.50 in tolls on a second account. The MTA’s Toll Payer Advocate may be able to help some drivers, but most don’t know it exists.
Common causes of runaway E-ZPass fees include:
We Demand Reform
We, the undersigned residents, voters, and drivers of New York and neighboring states, call on the MTA, NYS Thruway Authority, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York State Legislature to immediately address the E-ZPass fee crisis.
- Cap late fees and violation penalties at a reasonable percentage of the original toll balance
- Require clear written notice to drivers before fees begin compounding — by mail, email, and digital account alert
- Establish a simple, accessible dispute process that does not require legal representation
- Offer payment plans automatically to any driver with outstanding toll debt before sending to collections
- Require full transparency from tolling authorities and private contractors about fee practices and revenues
- Mandate public annual reporting of total fees collected versus original tolls owed, by agency and contractor
Sign the open letter to Governor Kathy Hochul
Sign the open letter to Governor Kathy Hochul. Share your story, get support, and connect with elected officials and legal experts working for change.
Click the button below to sign the open letter to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Sign the Open LetterThe form will open in a new tab. Sign the open letter to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Stop the E-ZPass Fee Trap
Hosted by UNTIL FREEDOM alongside New York State legislators, local elected officials, and community allies, this virtual town hall brings together E-ZPass NY customers to discuss billing practices and the administrative contractor, CONDUENT.
Hear directly from legal experts, elected officials, and affected New Yorkers about:
- Excessive fees and penalties
- Billing disputes and incorrect charges
- Registration suspensions tied to toll debt
- Ways to protect yourself and challenge unfair practices
Register via the form above to receive your Zoom link and participate. Registration is for NYS residents and E-ZPass NY customers.
In the News
- CBS New York — Simple E-ZPass mistakes cost a Staten Island man thousands in late fees
- THE CITY — E-ZPass fees, unpaid tolls, and what drivers can do
- Reddit / r/nyc — Public thread: NYC drivers share E-ZPass fee experiences
If you are dealing with an E-ZPass dispute, you may also contact the MTA Toll Payer Advocate for assistance with settlements or payment plans.