Toll and Distance Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I determine the height of my vehicle?
- How do I determine the number of axles on my vehicle?
- How can I obtain a Vehicle Classification and Toll Schedule Chart?
- Do E-ZPass customers get a discount?
- I am a commuter. What discount plans are available?
- 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?
- I am carrying a refrigerator in the back of my 4X4 pick-up truck; does this make my vehicle high?
- I have dual rear wheels on my pickup truck. Does this affect my vehicle classification?
- I have a 15 passenger commercial van. What is my vehicle classification?
- I drive a conversion van. What is my vehicle classification?
- I tow a fifth wheel mounted camper/travel-trailer/horse-trailer. What is my vehicle classification?
- I pull a car with my motor home. Will I need two tickets?
- How do I find out more about discounts for motorcycles and/or motor homes?
- Why do the toll tickets look different?
- How can I pay an unpaid toll I received on the NYS Thruway?
- What if I lost my unpaid toll slip?
- Can I still make a payment after the 7-day required payment period?
- I might have gone through an E-ZPass lane, but I don't have E-ZPass. Is that an unpaid toll?
- How can I apply for E-ZPass to make toll payment easier?
How do I determine the height of my vehicle?
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 axles
2 axles
3 axles
How can I obtain a Vehicle Classification and Toll Schedule Chart?
Vehicle Classification information and Toll Schedule Charts are available online, by calling the Authority's Division of Toll Collection at (518) 436-2805, or by emailing the Authority by using the online contact form.
Do E-ZPass customers get a discount?
Yes. E-ZPass customers will receive a 5% discount off the cash toll rate. Sign up for E-ZPass today.
I am a commuter. What discount plans are available?
The Thruway’s $88 annual permit discount plan is available for commuters’ using the Thruway’s ticketed system. Commuter discount plans for the New York and Buffalo Regions fixed toll barriers and bridges (New Rochelle, Yonkers, Tappan Zee Bridge, Harriman, and both Grand Island Bridges) are also available. View E-ZPass Discount Plans. To enroll in one of the various commuter plans, customers must first have an established E-ZPass account. Current E-ZPass customers must call 1-800-333-8655 or visit one of the Authority’s seven E-ZPass Service Centers to sign up for a commuter discount plan. Customers enrolling in E-ZPass for the first time may choose a commuter plan during the E-ZPass application process.
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.
There are no discounted rates available to cash customers.
I pull a car with my motor home. Do I need two tickets?
No. Vehicle combinations will be classified based on the total number of axles and vehicle height, including any towed vehicles or trailers.
How do I find out more about discounts for motorcycles and/or motor homes?
Discounts are available through the E-ZPass program. Proof of vehicle registration is required for both plans. Motorcycles are charged half of the cash toll rate. Motor homes receive the passenger vehicle rate based on the number of axles on the motor home. To enroll in the motorcycle or motor home discount plan, call 1-800-333-8655 or visit one of the Authority’s seven E-ZPass Service Centers.
Why do the toll tickets look different?
Visit the New Toll Ticket Equipment Project: Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.
How can I pay an unpaid toll I received on the NYS Thruway?
If you did not have sufficient funds to pay a toll at the time of your transaction, had information collected from your driver's license at the toll booth and received an unpaid toll slip from a toll collector, you may pay your toll if you still have your unpaid toll slip by:
- following the mail-in payment instructions on the slip. Please do not send cash. Your canceled check will be receipt of payment. Please include your driver's license identification number on your check and include your unpaid toll slip with your payment;
- calling (518) 471-5051, Mon.-Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm to pay by credit card. We do not accept online payments for unpaid tolls at this time; or
- submitting cash or a check and your unpaid toll slip at any toll plaza when you are traveling on the Thruway. Please include your driver's license identification number on your check and include your unpaid toll slip with your payment.
What if I lost my unpaid toll slip?
If you know the amount of your unpaid toll on the NYS Thruway, but lost the unpaid toll slip received at the toll plaza, please remit the toll amount by check or money order made payable to the NYS Thruway Authority and send to the following address:
NYS Thruway AuthorityP. O. Box 189
Albany, NY 12201-0189
Please include with your payment the following information:
- date of occurrence
- your driver's license identification number
- toll plaza where the unpaid toll was issued
- name and address of person issued the unpaid toll if different from the name on the check
If you lost the unpaid toll slip received at the toll plaza and are unsure of your toll amount, or where you might have received your unpaid toll, please call (518) 471-5051 and provide your driver's license identification number and any information about the date and location of your travel. You will be instructed how to make a payment. You may refer to the Toll & Distance Calculator to be sure your unpaid toll occurred on the NYS Thruway.
Can I still make a payment after the 7-day required payment period?
Yes. In order to avoid late payment notices and other consequences, please make your payment as soon as possible as described in the previous steps.
I might have gone through an E-ZPass lane, but I don't have E-ZPass. Is that an unpaid toll?
Unpaid toll slips are issued at the toll booth when a customer has insufficient funds to pay at the time of the transaction, and must be paid within 7 days. Driving through an E-ZPass lane without a valid E-ZPass tag will automatically generate an E-ZPass violation which will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. These violations should be handled through E-ZPass 
. Please retain your toll ticket and wait to pay your toll until you receive a notice from E-ZPass.
How can I apply for E-ZPass to make toll payment easier?
E-ZPass is both convenient and cost-saving, offering a five percent toll savings on the Thruway. You can become an E-ZPass customer by applying through the mail, online at www.e-zpassny.com or by visiting one of the E-ZPass walk-in centers or one of the 775 retail locations across the state.