TollbyPlate

Toll-by-Plate is a toll collection method that charges drivers who use toll facilities without a valid electronic toll transponder. Instead of reading a transponder in the vehicle, toll facilities capture an image of the vehicle’s license plate and use license plate recognition to identify the registered owner and bill them for the toll.

In operation, cameras stationed at toll gantries or lanes capture the vehicle’s plate as it passes. The license plate is matched to the vehicle’s registration records in the relevant database, and an invoice is issued for the toll amount, usually by mail or email. Payment options typically include online payment, mail-in payment, or phone payments. Some agencies also allow payment via third-party tolling platforms.

Fees and timing vary by jurisdiction. The base toll is the same as it would be for vehicles with a transponder; many agencies also add an administrative or processing fee for Toll-by-Plate transactions. If tolls are not paid, continued nonpayment can result in late fees, penalties, or escalation, including debt collection actions in some areas. In rare cases, unpaid tolls may be reported to vehicle registration authorities.

Advantages of Toll-by-Plate include the ability to use toll roads without purchasing a transponder and simpler entry for infrequent users. Drawbacks can include higher per-toll costs due to additional fees, potential for mistaken charges due to plate recognition errors, and concerns about privacy and data retention.