Staten Island Toll Rates and E-ZPass Exemptions - City Rules

Transportation New York 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of New York

Staten Island, New York drivers and commuters face a mix of toll regimes depending on which bridge or tunnel they use. This guide explains who sets tolls for crossings serving Staten Island, how E-ZPass and exemption rules are managed, and where to apply or dispute charges. It references the responsible agencies and shows official enforcement, penalties, and practical steps for residents and visitors to comply or seek relief. Use the links and action steps below to apply for E-ZPass, report a billing problem, or find the correct toll schedule for the bridge or tunnel you plan to use.

How tolls and exemptions are set for Staten Island crossings

Multiple authorities set tolls for crossings serving Staten Island. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) sets tolls and E-ZPass policy for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, while the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey sets tolls and policies for crossings to New Jersey such as the Goethals, Bayonne and Outerbridge Crossing. E-ZPass accounts and customer service are managed regionally by E-ZPass New York and the Port Authority for their facilities; follow the agency pages for account rules and official exemption policies.MTA tolls[1] Port Authority tolls[2] E-ZPass New York[3]

Typical toll categories

  • Automobile tolls (cash, E-ZPass standard, E-ZPass commuter rates where offered).
  • Commercial vehicle tolls based on axles and vehicle class.
  • Automatic billing vs. Tolls-by-Mail for vehicles without transponders.
Check the agency toll page before travel because rates and discounts differ by operator.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of toll payment and related penalties is carried out by the authority that operates the crossing: MTA Bridges and Tunnels for MTA facilities, and the Port Authority for its facilities. E-ZPass account holders are subject to the account terms of E-ZPass New York or the issuing agency. Specific monetary fines, administrative fees, and escalation schedules are stated on each agency's enforcement or customer terms pages; if a precise amount or escalation step is not listed on the cited page, the guide notes that the amount is not specified on the cited page and directs you to the official source for current figures.[1][2][3]

  • Monetary fines and administrative fees: not specified on the cited page; see the agency billing and violations pages for the current schedule.
  • Escalation: first notice, subsequent notices, and collections procedures are managed by the operating authority; exact timeframes are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: registration holds, collections referrals, and potential civil actions are used by authorities where unpaid tolls persist.
  • Enforcer contacts: MTA Bridges and Tunnels customer and violations units; Port Authority customer service; E-ZPass New York customer service for account issues.
  • Appeals and reviews: dispute processes are available through the issuing agency; deadlines for contesting tolls or fees are provided on the agency pages or account terms, otherwise not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a toll violation, start the dispute within the timeframe listed by the issuing agency.

Applications & Forms

  • E-ZPass account application and transponder orders are available online through E-ZPass New York; specific form numbers are not provided on the public application page. E-ZPass New York[3]
  • Commercial accounts and class upgrades require documentation per the operator's commercial account instructions; check the Port Authority or MTA commercial pages for required forms.

Action steps for drivers

  • Apply for an E-ZPass account online and link your vehicle to avoid Tolls-by-Mail rates and to access any offered discounts.[3]
  • Keep vehicle registration and license plate information current in your account to reduce billing errors.
  • If billed, follow the documented dispute process on the issuing agency page immediately; attach evidence such as receipts or toll logs.
  • Contact the operating authority's customer service for help with invoices, appeals, or to request payment plans.
Maintaining an active E-ZPass account is the most practical way to reduce billing errors and access available toll discounts.

FAQ

Do Staten Island bridges offer E-ZPass discounts?
Discounts and commuter programs vary by operator; some crossings offer reduced E-ZPass rates or commuter plans, while others do not—check the MTA or Port Authority toll pages for program details.[1][2]
Who do I contact for a disputed toll charge?
Contact the issuing authority listed on the bill: MTA Bridges and Tunnels for MTA crossings, Port Authority for its crossings, or E-ZPass New York for account issues. Use the customer service links provided above.[1][2][3]
Can Staten Island residents get permanent exemptions?
Permanent exemptions depend on the authority and the stated rules; specific resident exemption policies are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed on the operating authority's official site.

How-To

  1. Identify the crossing you will use and open the corresponding operator toll page.
  2. Create or sign in to your E-ZPass New York account and register your vehicle.
  3. Order and install the transponder per the instructions; verify billing and account contact details.
  4. Monitor account invoices and promptly follow the dispute procedure if you receive an unexpected charge.
  5. If collections begin, contact customer service and request account review or payment arrangements immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Different authorities operate Staten Island crossings and set separate toll and exemption rules.
  • Apply for E-ZPass and keep account info current to reduce higher Tolls-by-Mail charges.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] MTA Bridges & Tunnels tolls
  2. [2] Port Authority bridges and tunnels tolls
  3. [3] E-ZPass New York

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data