Where should you buy an e-z pass?

_Editor’s note: We’ve recently updated this story for 2019. Click here to read the new version._ There’s nothing that draws a crowd to a bargain like a forced purchase. Chatter about E-Z

Pass discounts has reached an all-time high in Hampton Roads, as a Feb. 1 deadline for tolls at the Midtown and Downtown tunnels in Norfolk nears. In Virginia, an E-Z Pass costs $35 in

prepaid tolls and a 50 cent fee per month (or $6) annually. Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Shellee Casiello says that E-Z Pass discounts are transferable in Virginia. In

other words, if you have an E-Z Pass tag from another state, like Delaware, you can use that E-Z Pass at Virginia tolls and get the local discounts. That has led to a whole new discussion.

There are 15 states that currently use the E-Z Pass system, and, technically, drivers can purchase a pass from any of the states. Fees and requirements vary by state, of course. You can find

a complete comparison at dailypress.com/shopping. (Note to readers: The comparison is a premium content item accessible to digital subscribers. Those who register with dailypress.com may

view up to five premium content items a month for free). Here’s what I am going to do: My husband works in downtown Norfolk. We live in Chesapeake, and I often like to travel across the

water to take our children to the Virginia Zoo and other Southside amenities. Because of our lifestyle, we will need two E-Z Pass transponders; however, I will travel across the water far

less than my commuter husband. The best choice for us is to purchase an E-Z Pass from New Hampshire. The state charges $8.90 per tag and requires a minimum $30 deposit as prepaid tolls into

your account, up to two tags. If we wanted three or four tags, that minimum would increase to $60. That would make our up-front cost $47.80, as opposed to Virginia’s up-front cost of $70

(plus the $12 annual fee for two tags). Delaware offers a similar program, and the up-front cost is $55 for an account with two transponders. There are no annual fees. My husband and I are

rooted in the Hampton Roads area. That makes the search for a tag with no monthly or annual fee attached more important. Yes, the New Hampshire tag will cost a bit more in its first year

when looking at fees only – $8.90 in fees in New Hampshire, $6 in fees in Virginia, per tag. However, we will be saving money by the second year. And in 10 years time, we will have spent

$120 in monthly fees for our two tags in Virginia. That makes the one-time $8.90 fee per tag (or $17.80) sound a lot better. In addition, should our toll usage decline in the coming years,

we won’t continue to pay a monthly fee just to keep the tags for convenience. There are many other options that might suit you, depending on your lifestyle and family size. There are also

considerations when choosing an out-of-state tag. All transactions must be made online or over the phone, and there can be some delay in funding your toll account should your credit card

expire, etc. Convenience has a cost, too. If you’re only looking for a single transponder, Delaware and New Hampshire are still your best options, if you plan to stay in the area for more

than three years. Military families may consider purchasing a tag from West Virginia, which includes a $5 annual fee, but account minimums are low. Here is a quick look at the available

options: VIRGINIA: $35 prepaid tolls, 50 cents per month (or $6 annually) DELAWARE: $25 prepaid tolls, $15 fee. No monthly or annual fee ILLINOIS: $40 prepaid tolls, $10 refundable deposit.

No monthly or annual fee. INDIANA: $10-$20 prepaid tolls, $1 monthly fee (or $12 annually) MAINE: $20 prepaid tolls, $10 fee per tag. No monthly or annual fee. MARYLAND: $25 prepaid tolls,

$9 tag fee. $1.50 monthly fee for drivers who do not use Maryland tolls on a monthly basis. NEW HAMPSHIRE: $30 prepaid tolls (up to two tags), $8.90 per tag. No monthly or annual fee. NEW

JERSEY: $25 prepaid tolls, $10 per tag (fee waived if credit card is used). $1 monthly fee (or $12 annually) NEW YORK: $25 prepaid tolls, $10 refundable deposit. OHIO: $25 prepaid tolls, $3

activation fee, 75 cents per month (or $9 annually) PENNSYLVANIA: $35 prepaid tolls, $10 deposit (deposit is waived if credit card is used), $3 annual fee RHODE ISLAND: $25 prepaid tolls,

$20.95 fee. No monthly fees. WEST VIRGINIA: $20 prepaid tolls, $5 annual fee Originally Published: January 15, 2014 at 4:50 PM EST