New Tolling System and the Grace Period Ending
In April 2024, the Ohio Turnpike introduced open road tolling. Drivers no longer stop at toll booths. Instead, E-ZPass users have tolls deducted automatically, while non-E-ZPass drivers receive invoices by mail.
The transition was not without frustration and confusion. We are hearing that many drivers misunderstood the system, leading to 347,000 unpaid tolls between April and December 2024. To ease the shift, the Ohio Turnpike suspended penalties temporarily.
That grace period ends in February 2025. Soon, unpaid tolls will trigger strict consequences, including late fees, collections, and vehicle registration holds.
Best Practices for Truckers and Fleet Managers
Truck drivers and fleet managers can take steps to avoid penalties:
- Get an E-ZPass – Install an E-ZPass transponder to automate toll payments and prevent missed invoices.
- Monitor Invoices – Regularly check for toll invoices and pay them on time to avoid late fees.
- Communicate Proactively – If you believe an invoice is incorrect, dispute it immediately before fees escalate.
The Ohio Turnpike is taking a firm stance on unpaid tolls. To avoid costly penalties, ensure compliance now before February 2025 arrives. TLI Express, our asset-based subsidiary, has not been impacted by toll payments when crossing state lines. All our trucks are equipped with Best Pass, a comprehensive toll management system that works not only in Ohio but across multiple tolling networks nationwide. This technology eliminates the risk of unpaid tolls, streamlining operations and keeping our fleet moving without delays. This is mentioned only in the event that it may prove helpful in your own operation.
Key Dates and Penalties
Starting in February 2025, the Ohio Turnpike Commission will enforce penalties for unpaid tolls. Drivers actively disputing toll invoices will not face collections or registration holds until the issue is resolved.
Late Fees Begin February 3, 2025
- E-ZPass Violations: A $5 late fee will be added if the first invoice isn’t paid within 30 days.
- Cash/Credit Lane Violations: A $5 administrative fee applies if payment isn’t received within 30 days. If still unpaid, another $5 late fee per toll will follow.
Collections and Registration Holds Begin February 10, 2025
- Unpaid Tolls Over 90 Days: Accounts will be sent to the Ohio Attorney General for collections.
- Vehicle Registration Holds: The Ohio BMV will prevent registration renewal until tolls are paid.
Impact on Commercial Truck Drivers
For truck drivers, these penalties could create serious disruptions.
A registration hold can take a truck off the road, delaying deliveries and impacting customer commitments. Late fees and collections add unexpected costs, especially for fleet operators.
Unpaid tolls sent to collections can damage credit standings. This could create financial stress and potential legal complications for carriers and independent operators. The Ohio Turnpike is a major trucking corridor, essential for Midwest freight movement. Ignoring toll policies can lead to costly delays, lost revenue, and compliance issues.
Penalties don’t just affect finances—they also impact a company’s reputation. Late toll payments can raise concerns among brokers, shippers, and regulatory agencies.