Bridges and Tunnels Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

  1. What kind of vehicles can I take on the bridges & tunnels?
  2. What bridges and tunnels does the Port Authority of NY & NJ operate?
  3. What is the toll to cross these bridges and tunnels?
  4. Which bridges may I walk or ride my bicycle across?

Tolls

  1. Which tunnels and bridges are operated by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey?
  2. What are peak and off-peak travel times?
  3. What is the toll to cross these bridges and tunnels?
  4. What is the PA Green Pass discount?
  5. Is the Port Authority Green Pass valid everywhere E-ZPass is accepted?
  6. How do I sign up for the PA Green Pass Discount Plan?
  7. May I continue to use my Port Authority Scrip Tickets and Universal Tickets?
  8. What are the Port Authority’s near-term plans to upgrade its toll collection system?
  9. When will this new system be installed and how will it differ from what tunnel and bridge customers experience today?
  10. What are the benefits of new system?

E-ZPass

  1. What do I do if I don’t have an E-ZPass but I go through an E-ZPass toll lane by accident?
  2. What do I do if I have an E-ZPass but go through a cash lane?
  3. What do I do if my E-ZPass tag didn’t work and I got a notice in the mail?
  4. How will I keep track of my account?
  5. What if my E-ZPass tag is lost or stolen?
  6. Do I receive discounts for traveling off-peak hours?
  7. What happens if I speed at a Port Authority crossing?
  8. What vehicles qualify for Green Pass?

General FAQs

1. What kind of vehicles can I take on the bridges & tunnels?
Type of Vehicle GWB Lincoln Holland Bayonne Goethals Outerbridge
Bike Yes No No Yes No No
Car Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Car with tow Yes Yes,  as per conditions set forth in Green Book. Trailers and towed vehicles prohibited. Yes Yes Yes
RV Yes,  as per conditions set forth in Green Book. Prohibited. Prohibited. Yes Yes Yes
Delivery Truck Upper level Yes,  as per conditions set forth in Green Book. Only two and three-axle single-unit trucks allowed Yes Yes Yes
Moving Truck Upper level Yes,  as per conditions set forth in Green Book. Only two and three-axle single-unit trucks allowed Yes Yes Yes
Semi-Rig Upper level Yes,  as per conditions set forth in Green Book. Only two and three-axle single-unit trucks allowed Yes Yes Yes
Hazmat Upper level, as per conditions set forth in Red Book. No No Yes, as per conditions set forth in Red Book. Yes, as per conditions set forth in Red Book. Yes, as per conditions set forth in Red Book.

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2. What bridges and tunnels does the Port Authority of NY & NJ operate?

The Port Authority operates all of the crossings between New York City and New Jersey.

  • George Washington Bridge
  • Lincoln Tunnel
  • Holland Tunnel
  • Bayonne Bridge
  • Goethals Bridge
  • Outerbridge Crossing

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3. What is the toll to cross these bridges and tunnels?

If you are paying cash, the toll is always the same, regardless of the crossing or the time of day. Click here for tolls when crossing into New York City. Tolls are free when leaving the City.

There are special discounts that apply for E-ZPass users. To learn more about available E-ZPass discounts, click here.

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4. Which bridges may I walk or ride my bicycle across?

There is a pedestrian walkway at both the George Washington Bridge and the Bayonne Bridge. You may ride your bicycle across the George Washington Bridge. You must walk your bicycle across the Bayonne Bridge since the pedestrian walkway is narrow.

Click here for more information on walking or riding across the George Washington Bridge.
Click here for more information on walking across the Bayonne Bridge.

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Tolls

1. Which tunnels and bridges are operated by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey?

The Port Authority operates and maintains the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, the Goethals Bridge, the Outerbridge Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge.

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2. What are peak and off-peak travel times?

Peak periods are 6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. All other times are off-peak.

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3. What is the toll for passenger vehicles?

Discounts are available for E-ZPass users at certain times and for low-emissions vehicles. Click here for our list of toll rates and discount plans.

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4. What is the PA Green Pass discount?

Vehicles that qualify for Green Pass are certified to the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard and achieve a United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) highway fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or more, or are pre-model year 2005 hybrid vehicles which are certified to the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard and achieve a USEPA highway fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or more.

View New York's Clean Pass Program Vehicle Eligibility List.

All vehicles on New York's Clean Pass Program Vehicle Eligibility List are eligible for the Port Authority Green Pass Discount Plan.

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5. Is the Port Authority Green Pass valid everywhere E-ZPass is accepted?

The E-ZPass will work at any E-ZPass crossing or toll road, just like any E-ZPass. The Green Pass discount, however, only applies at Port Authority crossings during off-peak hours. For all other tolls (for example, on the Garden State Parkway), you will be charged the standard toll rates.

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6. How do I sign up for the PA Green Pass Discount Plan?

E-ZPass accountholders who drive qualifying vehicles can request that the Green Pass Discount Plan be added to their account. Customers must submit a copy of their motor vehicle registration for the qualifying vehicle. After confirming the vehicle's eligibility, the E-ZPass NY Customer Service Center will issue a green-colored E-ZPass tag for use only in the qualifying vehicle.

To request the Green Pass Discount, please send a letter and include a copy of the registration to the E-ZPass New York Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 149004, Staten Island, New York 10314-9004 or visit a walk-in center to supply the needed information. Please note that tags will not be issued on the spot, as verification of vehicle eligibility is required.

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7. May I continue to use my Port Authority Scrip Tickets and Universal Tickets?

Port Authority Scrip and Universal tickets will be accepted for toll payment at Port Authority tunnels and bridges through June 30, 2012.

You may return your tickets to the Port Authority for a full refund of the price paid. Please remember, the monetary value of these tickets is 10 percent less than their face value. For example: a ticket with a $4 face value is redeemed at $3.60.

To obtain your refund, please mail your tickets, along with your name, mailing address, and telephone number to the address below. Please make a copy of what you send us for your records:

The Port Authority of NY & NJ
2 Montgomery Street
4th Floor
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302-3855
Attention: Linda Kochenburger
(201) 395-3912

Customers can get off-peak and other discounts at Port Authority crossings by using E-ZPass. Enrollment information can be found at www.e-zpassny.com.

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8. What are the Port Authority’s near-term plans to upgrade its toll collection system?

The Port Authority’s existing toll collection system is more than 13 years old and is in need of replacement. At its February 2010 meeting, the Board of Commissioners authorized a project to upgrade the agency’s toll collection system at its four bridges and two tunnels. This new system will provide the ability for the agency to institute All-Electronic (cashless) Toll collection at some point in the future.

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9. When will this new system be installed and how will it differ from what tunnel and bridge customers experience today?

Installation of the new system, acquired through a competitive process, will likely begin in the 4th quarter of 2012 and be completed by the end of 2014. Although the new equipment will have the capability for All-Electronic Tolling, the toll plazas will initially operate as they do today. All lanes will be equipped with the ability to handle E-ZPass® transactions, and there will be designated lanes to accommodate cash customers.

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10. What are the benefits of new system?
  • No more lane closures due to equipment failure
  • Fewer customer billing questions from inaccurate charges caused by equipment malfunction
  • Improved signage directing customers to the appropriate lane

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E-ZPass

1. What happens if I go through an "E-ZPass Only" lane without a tag or fail to pay the toll in a staffed lane at a Port Authority crossing? (George Washington, Goethals, Bayonne bridges and Outerbridge Crossing, Holland and Lincoln tunnels)

For customers that use an “E-ZPass Only” lane without a tag or valid account, or fail to pay the toll in a staffed toll lane, a Notice of Toll Violation will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. For first-time instances of failure to pay the toll, vehicle owners are asked to pay only the toll due and the administrative fee is waived, provided payment is made within 15 days of receiving the Notice of Toll Violation. Subsequent violations are subject to an administrative fee of up to $50 plus the toll for each occurrence. Please note the signs above the toll lanes carefully.

“E-ZPass Only” lanes are marked with the purple “E-ZPass” logo on top and the word “ONLY” flashing below.

Effective November 15, 2009, the toll violation fee for Port Authority crossings is $50.

We encourage E-ZPass customers to keep their E-ZPass account in good standing by maintaining an adequate balance, updating expired credit card information, and registering the license plates for all vehicles using the account.

For those without E-ZPass, why not open an E-ZPass account today? It is quick and easy to get your E-ZPass account set up. Visit www.E-ZPassNY.com to apply.

Just remember these tips and you can forget about the fee.

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2. What do I do if I have an E-ZPass but go through a cash lane?

Keep driving! All Port Authority toll lanes are equipped with E-ZPass readers. Your account will be billed just as if you had gone through an E-ZPass-only lane.

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3. What do I do if my E-ZPass tag didn’t work and I got a notice in the mail?

Call the agency that maintains your account (and have your E-ZPass handy). The agency will check your account, credit your account if necessary, and send you a new E-ZPass. See the table below to see which agency maintains your account:

If your tag starts with... Your account is owned by: Phone Number Website
005 The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 800 333-8655 www.E-ZPassNY.com
004 New York State Thruway 800 333-8655 www.E-ZPassNY.com
008 MTA Bridges & Tunnels 800 333-8655 www.E-ZPassNY.com
022 New Jersey E-ZPass 888 288-6865 www.EZPassNJ.com
006 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission 877 736-6727 www.Paturnpike.com
009 Delaware River Port Authority 888 288-6865 www.drpa.org
016 Maryland Transportation Authority 888 321-6824 www.mdtransportationauthority.com
021 Massachusetts Turnpike 888 525-3278 www.masspike.com
a different # Different Agency Call # on face of tag

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4. How will I keep track of my account?

You will receive a periodic statement that will detail all tolls by tag, location and amount, as well as any payments you have made. You can also call 800 333-TOLL (8655), or check on the Web at any time for your account status. If your E-ZPass account balance drops below the minimum required, a reminder message "Low Balance" will flash as you pass through the toll lane. This means that your account is almost out of money and you must make a payment immediately, before it runs out.

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5. What if my E-ZPass tag is lost or stolen?

If your tag is lost or stolen report it immediately to the Customer Service Center at 800 333-TOLL (8655) or through www.E-ZPassNY.com by accessing your account under account information. The tag will be deactivated. You will not be responsible for any charges incurred after you report a lost or stolen tag. You will be liable for toll charges incurred prior to notification. You will be responsible for paying the full cost of the tag -- $23 for an interior tag or $29.40 for an exterior tag. Upon request, a new tag will be issued to you.

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6. Do I receive discounts for traveling off-peak hours?

Yes!

At all Port Authority crossings, you get a discount if you travel between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and after 7 p.m. on weekdays; and before noon and after 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Commercial vehicles can save even more, 42 percent, by traveling from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

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7. What happens if I speed at a Port Authority crossing?

Your E-ZPass account may be suspended or revoked if you are issued a speeding violation at a toll plaza. If your tag is suspended due to speeding, you cannot use it at any toll plazas. If you use your tag when your account is suspended, you may incur an administrative fee of up to $50 per occurrence, be charged the full undiscounted toll, and/or be asked to surrender the tag.

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8. What vehicles qualify for Green Pass?

Vehicles that qualify for Green Pass are certified to the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard and achieve a United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) highway fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or more, or are pre-model year 2005 hybrid vehicles which are certified to the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard and achieve a USEPA highway fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or more.

View New York's Clean Pass Program Vehicle Eligibility List.

All vehicles on New York's Clean Pass Program Vehicle Eligibility List are eligible for the Port Authority Green Pass Discount Plan.

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