The Atlantic City Expressway has used the newly installed commuter digital signs to announce that January 4th marks the start of cashless tolls. Based on E-ZPass, those users will likely see no changes. But commuters who choose not to use E-ZPass will likely pay double on the AC Expressway under a proposed new “Toll-By-Plate” plan.
This project has been in process for several years, starting with the initial design and approval phases. A year ago, 42Freeway wrote about the start of the construction, which required installing 11 overhead gantry structures spanning the top of the roadways to house the electronics needed to read car E-ZPasses and license plates. (AC Expressway Electronic Tolls Website)
The start of cashless tolls is a key milestone for the project. Still, additional work remains, such as the complete removal of the large toll plazas in Pleasantville and Egg Harbor.
Key benefits to commuters of this cashless toll payment system include a faster, safer driving experience, as cars will not have to slow down at toll booths or navigate around other vehicles slowing to pay tolls.
Additionally, E-ZPass is accepted in 19 states, mainly in the Northeastern USA. For residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and nearby areas… It can be an invaluable commuting convenience.
Regarding the toll changes, commuters using the E-ZPass cashless payment system in their cars will see minimal changes at this point, as I believe toll fees remain the same in that case, and they can drive on through as they usually would.
For those who do not have E-ZPass (and refuse to sign up), they will be identified by license plate-reading technology and sent a bill that will likely be double the toll rate.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) states that the higher toll for Non E-ZPass commuters is necessary to cover the costs of image processing, billing, postage, and possible collection processes.
I say “likely pay double the amount” because this toll change still needs to be approved by the SJTA Commissioners after the public comment phase is completed. More on that below
As mentioned I became aware of the January 4th date by readers who saw it on the sign this morning. I found the additional information regarding the proposed higher fees for non EZPass commuters, at the SJTA website
The Atlantic City Expressway project was announced in October of 2020 as a green lighted project. The project promises increased throughput, reduced Plaza congestion, improved convenience, Enhanced Safety, lower emissions, and touchless tolling.
The initial target was to have the system operating for tolls in May of this year, ahead of the summer season. That was moved back… as we now know, to January 4th 2026.
Cashless tolls are a growing trend among toll road authorities across the country. For example, for those visiting the Jersey Shore, Cape May County manages five Bridges and they also moved to a cashless toll system earlier this year.
You can sign up for E-ZPass with any of the supporting agencies such as NJ E-ZPass.
Atlantic City Expressway – Non E-ZPass Double Tolls
While the placement of the gantries are in different locations it is my expectation that the tolls for commuters will not change at this time at any of the access/exit points (I did reach out to SJTA this morning for additional clarity but I have not heard back yet)
Clearly, the goal of this project is to have everyone use cash tolls because it will provide a faster, safer commuting experience and, as a completely digital transaction, streamline processing and billing.
For those not using E-ZPass, the SJTA’s toll processing and billing costs are higher.
To inform the public of potential toll changes, on November 15th, the South Jersey Transportation Authority held three public hearings on a plan to adjust tolls for non-E-ZPass users.
The hearings were held in the counties of Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic at three locations (one per county).
I unfortunately was not aware of these hearings being scheduled, but we are still in the public feedback phase, and you have until December 30th to send comments to [email protected]
The South Jersey Transportation Authority puts the full presentation pdf online which you can read here. (PDF)
The meeting slides initially describe the benefits of the cashless toll system as well as the choice of the E-ZPass system, which I’ve already outlined.
For those not wanting to use E-ZPass the process is outlined the presentation bullets.
When a car travels along the roadway without an E-ZPass transponder, its license plate must be photographed. Image recognition technology will then be used to decipher the plate text (and a human is likely a backup). Bills would then be prepared and mailed out… with payments received at a later date. There is also an expected number of bills that will not be paid on time, which can turn into an even more costly collection scenario for the authority.
To account for these additional processing costs without an E-ZPass (and likely to give an incentive to have people sign up)…
Proposed Toll By Plate – Non E-Z Pass
- 100% Toll Surcharge (Double the toll amount)
- $1.00 Invoice fee per bill*
- $5.00 late fee if Balance not paid in 30 days.
* Toll by Plate bills are sent after $50 in total transactions or 30 days.. whichever comes first. each one of those bills will have the $1 invoice fee.
So as I read the presentation, this toll rate change for Non E-ZPass needs to be approved by the Commissioners.
The public is asked to provide comments and feedback on the proposal by December 30th, 2025. (Email). The Commissioners would then take that feedback into account when they make their final DEC.
Links and Location
Atlantic City Expressway Cashless Tolls – Starts January 4th, 2026
- All-Electronic Tolls Website
- Atlantic City Expressway Tolls Presentation PDF
- The Public can Email comments/feedback on the “Toll-By-Plates” double rate plan.
