Within the last year the State of Ohio finally upgraded all of their turnpike equipment to install the E-ZPass payment system, which is an electronic sensor that automatically deducts money from your account when driving through toll roads. Over the course of the past year, I have debated about whether or not to apply for the E-ZPass units for our vehicles to help in saving money and time when traveling toll roads across America.

The major dilemma that always was my issue was having to pay a monthly fee for the units installed in your vehicles. If we were a daily toll road commuter, it would make sense to have the E-ZPass systems in our cars. However, we use the turnpike maybe once or twice a month, and I never felt we would justify the fees for the convenience.

Well over the course of the past year, it seems we spend more time waiting in the cash only lines than ever before. Somehow, the E-ZPass system does not appear to have caught on, because everyone still pays with cash. What amazes me is the amount of people who finally get up to the window and have to fumble around for their money. Like any store or place you have to pay money for services or goods, I was taught by my parents to have your money out and ready. Do not make people have to wait behind you while you count out your pennies, or even worse, have to hand write a check at the counter. Who the heck pays with checks anymore? I digress.

So now that we seem to spend more time waiting on other people, I am beginning to see the advantages of having E-ZPass or similar system and being able to zip through the other lines with no wait.

The great thing about the E-ZPass system is it can be used in numerous states across the United States. Currently the following States share the E-ZPass system in the United States.

1. Delaware
2. Illinois
3. Indiana
4. Maine
5. Maryland
6. Massachusetts
7. New Hampshire
8. New Jersey
9. New York
10. Ohio
11. Pennsylvania
12. Rhode Island
13. Virginia
14. West Virginia

So the question is, what fees do each of the agencies charge, and what are the benefits. Is one better than the other?

I had been working on a comprehensive list of all the various E-ZPass options available. However, the State of Delaware recently announced a program to give free transponders for new accounts, so it kind of is pointless to show which States currently charge various fees.

Delaware typically charges a $25 security deposit on the E-ZPass transponders, but from now through December 31, they are waiving the fee. Your account is automatically replenished using a credit card to make sure your account always has enough funds.

1. Go to the ezpassde.com site.
2. Click the Get E-ZPass tab at the top, followed by Sign Up Now.
3. Make sure to choose Delaware from the pull-down menu.
4. On the right side click the E-ZPass application image.
5. Type “YES” into the terms page and click Next.
6. Complete the application forms.
7. On the Special Promotions page, I recommend NOT signing up for the “SR-1 Frequent User Account Plan” if you do not plan on using the Delaware turnpike.
8. Here is the key that I learned. They allow you to get up to eight (8) transponders per account; however, the free waiving of the $25 fee is only valid for the first transponder. Therefore, you will need to create a new account for each transponder if you wish to get them for free.

That is it. You will be charged $25 for each transponder, but that is used to fill your E-ZPass for use. Now go and save yourself some time and money when traveling America’s roads!