By: Maria-Paula

In a bid to explore the average maximum passenger vehicle fees on interstate toll roads, interstate bridges and tunnels, non-interstate roads as well as non-interstate bridges and tunnels, Virginia roads emerged the most expensive to drive on from a survey of five states. 

States with the highest/lowest average maximum passenger vehicle fee on interstate toll roads include: 
 
Rank
State
Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile 
1
Virginia
$3.27
2
Pennsylvania
$1.73
3
Maine
$1.56
4
California
$1.38
5
Colorado
$1.36
 
Toll roads, also known as turnpikes, tollways, or toll plazas, are public or private roads where a fee is assessed for passage. In addition to toll roads, authorities also use toll bridges and toll tunnels to collect funds to repay the cost of building the structures and for repairs and maintenance. Generally, toll roads, bridges, and tunnels exist to help recoup the cost of constructing the structures and for repairs and maintenance.
In the US, tolls are collected in four ways by operators, with transponders, via collection machines, and with the newest system called “pay-by-plate.” 
Some tolls are autonomous, and the driver deposits money in a machine, which automatically counts the money and opens the gate once the correct amount is paid.
In others, operators run the toll and collect money from drivers, confirm it, and open the gate. Other collection systems have been implemented to minimize cost, time, and human interaction, so few toll drivers pass will have a collector. Collection machines as an option often require exact change. The popularization of electronic transactions renders machines less popular.
Another form of collection, transponders, that are attached to the vehicles offers a stopping free module and, in some locations, gives no need to slow down.
The newest system is “pay-by-plate,” is whereby a bill is sent to the address that is registered with the vehicle after you have used a tollway. The cost of Pay-By-Plate is higher than the debited/transponder fee to encourage the purchase and funding of the account.

The state of Virginia has several toll facilities operated by various owners. Operators include public, private, regional, and state authorities. In Virginia, E-ZPass is widely used for electronic toll collection. The Dulles Toll Road does not charge a toll for E-ZPass users. Other toll facilities, such as the Coleman Bridge, I-64 Express, I-66 Inside Beltway, Powhite Parkway, and the RMTA Expressway System, have varying toll rates.

Virginia’s maximum fee on interstate toll roads averages $3.27 per mile, which is significantly higher than any of the other 23 states analyzed. For comparison, Pennsylvania has an average maximum fee of $1.73 per mile on interstate toll roads. 

Utah has the lowest average maximum fee per mile, at just $0.03 with Massachusetts average at $0.07 per mile and Indiana’s average at $0.08 per mile in toll fees.

While the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) cannot reduce or remove tolls, its partnership with the Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) offers financial relief through the Toll Relief Program for users most impacted by tolls.
Toll prices vary and depend on location, vehicle type, weight, or the number of axles. Freight trucks are often charged more than passenger cars. Also, the amount charged can depend on the time of day and the payment method. Cash payments, E-Z Pass customers, peak hours, and off-peak hours are just some of the determinants on how much road users pay as toll fees.
Since toll figures can change over time, it’s essential to check for the most up-to-date information if planning a trip on toll roads.