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How can I find out what my Thruway tolls will be?

Tolls on the New York State Thruway are calculated according to the height of the vehicle, total number of axles of a vehicle, and distance traveled.

The Authority provides a Toll & Distance Calculator which will estimate tolls, distance and travel time for entry and exit points anywhere on the Thruway system for all vehicle classifications. Patrons are required to enter the height and number of axels on the vehicle.

How do I determine the height of my vehicle?

Image showing examples of heights

Measurement is taken at the highest point of the vehicle over the first two axles. Typical home garages feature 7 feet high doors. If your vehicle fits in a standard garage, then it is probably under 7 feet 6 inches. If you are unable to measure the height of the vehicle, check your owner's manual or manufacturer documentation.

How do I determine the number of axles on my vehicle?

An axle is a shaft around which a wheel or a pair of wheels revolve. Most passenger cars are considered to have 2 axles for classification purposes. To determine the number of axles on the vehicle or vehicle combination, look at the vehicle from the side profile and count the number wheels or pair of wheels from front to back.

5 axle truck

5 axles

2 axle car

2 axles

3 axles total, 2 on car, 1 in tow

3 axles

How can I obtain a Vehicle Classification and Toll Schedule Chart?

I carry items, such as a kayak, on my roof rack. That makes my vehicle height over 7' 6". Will this affect my vehicle classification?

No. Non-permanent items (examples: kayak, bicycles, ladder, snow board, luggage carrier) carried on a passenger vehicle's roof (Class 2L, 3L, or 4L) are not considered when determining vehicle classification.

I am carrying an item, such as a refrigerator, in the back of my 4X4 pick-up truck; does this make my vehicle high?

No. Non-permanent items carried in the bed of a pick-up truck (Class 2L, 3L, or 4L) are not considered when determining vehicle classification.

I have dual rear wheels on my pickup truck. Does this affect my vehicle classification?

No. Dual rear wheels are not a determining factor for vehicle classification. Classification will be based on height and axles regardless of the number of tires on each axle.

I have a 15 passenger commercial van. What is my vehicle classification?

The number of passengers is not a determining factor for vehicle classification. Classification is based on height and axles, regardless of the passenger capacity.

I drive a conversion van. What is my vehicle classification?

Conversion vans are classified as a passenger vehicle (Class 2L).

However, if your conversion van has features similar to a "motorhome," for example, a cook top/range, microwave, a sleeping area, or tub/shower/toilet amenities, this vehicle would not be classified as a traditional passenger vehicle (2L), but rather a motorhome, while traveling the New York State Thruway.

The Thruway Authority does offer a Thruway Motorhome Discount Plan via E-ZPass.

I tow a fifth wheel mounted camper/travel-trailer/horse-trailer. What is my vehicle classification?

Vehicle classification is based on the height of the vehicle over the first two axles, including any trailer, and the total number of axles. A vehicle's combination is considered HIGH if the height of the vehicle over the first two axles is 7'6" or greater.

For example, a 2-axle pick-up truck with a 2-axle 5th wheel trailer, 7'6" or greater, which extends forward over the rear axle, would be classified as a 4H. Using this same logic, a 2-axle pick-up truck with a 3-axle 5th wheel trailer, 7'6" or greater, would be classified as a 5H.

E-ZPass discounts are available for these vehicle combinations; however, special tags are required that must be programmed specifically for the specific vehicle combination. To be eligible, customers must first have an established E-ZPass account with the New York E-ZPass Customer Service Center.

Discounted rates are not available to non-E-ZPass customers.

What is Cashless Tolling?

Cashless Tolling is a free flowing tolling system that operates without toll booths or barriers. It saves motorists time and money, improves safety on the roadway and reduces congestion and air pollution. Cashless tolling was implemented on the Thruway system-wide in 2020. Tolls are collected either by E-ZPass or through Tolls By Mail .

Go to our Cashless Tolling section for more information.

What is Tolls By Mail?

The Thruway Authority uses Tolls By Mail to bill customers without an E-ZPass, after they travel on the Thruway. As motorists travel under a gantry, special equipment takes an image of the vehicles' license plate. A toll bill is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle at the address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Payment can also be made on the Tolls By Mail website or by calling the customer service center at 1-844-826-8400.

Go to our Cashless Tolling section for more information.

I am an E-ZPass customer, why did I receive a Toll Bill?

There are two reasons why an E-ZPass customer would receive a Toll Bill:

An E-ZPass tag was not detected when traveling under a toll gantry; AND
The license plate was not listed on their E-ZPass account.

To avoid receiving future Toll Bills, customers must ensure their tag is mounted properly and their license plate(s) are added to their E-ZPass account.

To pay the Toll Bill, follow the instructions provided on the toll bill.

What will I be charged if my E-ZPass tag isn't read properly or is not in the vehicle at the time of travel?

If your E-ZPass tag isn't read when traveling on the Thruway, an image of the license plate is taken and the associated toll will be charged at the Tolls by Mail rate. If the license plate is on your E-ZPass account, the toll will post directly to your account using the license plate. If the license plate is not on your E-ZPass account, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a Toll Bill.

How can I avoid paying higher tolls?

You can avoid paying higher tolls by ensuring your tag is properly mounted on the windshield. Instructions for properly mounting the tag can be found at Thruway Tag Mounting Instructions. Mounting strips are free and can be obtained by requesting them through your online account at E-ZPassNY.com.