If you’re planning a road trip, you might be wondering how do you pay tolls in a rental car enterprise. Navigating toll roads in an Enterprise rental car typically involves their PlatePass system, which automatically pays tolls for a daily fee. This guide will explain all your options, from automatic systems to paying cash, so you can avoid surprises on your bill.
Understanding the process before you hit the road is crucial. Enterprise offers a couple of primary methods for handling tolls, and the choices you make can significantly impact your final rental cost. We’ll break down each method step by step.
This article provides a clear, actionable plan for managing tolls with Enterprise. You’ll learn how PlatePass works, how to use your own transponder, and what happens if you accidentally go through a toll. Let’s get started.
How Do You Pay Tolls In A Rental Car Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car primarily uses an automated service called PlatePass to manage toll payments for customers. When you rent a vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in this service unless you proactively opt out. It’s a convenience, but it comes with specific costs and rules you need to know.
The system works by using cameras that photograph the rental car’s license plate as it passes through a toll. PlatePass then pays the toll on your behalf. For this service, Enterprise charges a daily fee for every day of your rental period, regardless of whether you use a toll road that day. This fee is in addition to the actual toll amounts.
It’s vital to read your rental agreement’s terms regarding tolls. The fees and policies can vary slightly by state and location, so don’t assume the rules are the same everywhere. Always ask at the counter for the most current information.
Understanding The PlatePass System
PlatePass is the backbone of Enterprise’s toll management. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to drive on most toll roads, bridges, and tunnels without stopping. The system is active in all 50 states and covers many major tolling authorities.
Here is how PlatePass typically works:
- Automatic Enrollment: You are generally enrolled by default when you rent the car.
- Camera Recognition: Toll cameras capture the vehicle’s license plate.
- Toll Payment: PlatePass pays the toll agency directly.
- Billing: Enterprise charges you for the tolls plus the daily service fee.
The daily service fee is a fixed cost. As of this writing, it can range from around $4.95 to $5.99 per day, depending on the state. There is also a maximum charge per rental period, often capped at about $24.95 to $29.95, even for longer rentals. Remember, this fee applies for every 24-hour period you have the car, not just days you use toll roads.
How To Opt Out Of PlatePass
If you prefer not to use PlatePass, you must opt out. This is a critical step you need to take at the rental counter before you drive away. Simply telling the agent is not always enough; ensure you understand their specific opt-out procedure.
Follow these steps to opt out:
- Inform the rental agent at the counter that you wish to decline the PlatePass service.
- Ask them to note this declination clearly on your rental agreement.
- Review your rental contract before leaving to confirm the opt-out is documented.
- Ask for a copy of the agreement for your records.
Once you opt out, you are responsible for paying all tolls yourself. Enterprise will not cover them through PlatePass. You must use an alternative method, like a personal transponder or cash, which we will cover next. Be aware that if you opt out but then use a toll road without paying, you may incur hefty administrative fees from both the toll authority and Enterprise.
Using Your Own Toll Transponder
In many cases, using your personal transponder (like E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, etc.) is the most cost-effective way to pay tolls in an Enterprise rental. This allows you to pay your standard toll rates without any extra daily fees from Enterprise.
However, there are important rules to follow:
- Mount It Properly: Secure your transponder to the rental car’s windshield as per its instructions. Usually, this is behind the rearview mirror.
- List The Rental Vehicle: Most transponder accounts allow you to temporarily add a rental car’s license plate number to your account online or via an app. Do this before you start your trip.
- Remove It After: Don’t forget to take your transponder when you return the rental car and remove the vehicle from your account.
Check with your transponder provider for any specific rules about rental cars. Some agencies have restrictions or require you to notify them. Using your own tag correctly can save you a significant amount of money, especially on longer rentals.
Paying Tolls With Cash
On some toll roads, paying with cash is still an option. If you have opted out of PlatePass and do not have a transponder, you will need to use cash lanes. Look for signs that say “Cash” or “Toll Booth.”
Be prepared with small bills and change, as many booths do not accept large denominations or provide limited change. The main drawback is that cash lanes are becoming less common, especially on newer highways and in certain states. Relying solely on cash may limit your route options and cause delays.
Plan your route in advance to identify where cash payments are accepted. GPS apps often have a setting to avoid toll roads, which can be helpful if you plan to use only cash. However, this can sometimes lead to much longer drive times.
What Are Video Toll Lanes
Many modern toll systems have eliminated booths altogether, using “Video Toll” or “Pay-By-Plate” lanes instead. If you drive through one of these without a transponder, a camera takes a picture of your license plate.
The toll authority then mails a bill to the registered vehicle owner—in this case, Enterprise. Enterprise will receive the toll violation notice, pay it, and then charge you for the toll plus a substantial administrative fee. This is a common way renters get surprised with high fees. To avoid this, you must have either PlatePass active, your own transponder, or have pre-paid the toll online if the agency allows it.
What To Do If You Accidentally Go Through A Toll
Mistakes happen. You might miss a sign or find yourself in a toll lane without a payment method. If you accidentally go through a toll in your Enterprise rental, don’t panic. Taking quick action can minimize extra charges.
Here is what you should do:
- Note The Details: Write down the date, time, location, and toll amount if you know it.
- Contact Enterprise: Call Enterprise’s customer service or the location where you rented the car as soon as possible. Inform them of the situation.
- Pay Online: Some toll agencies have websites where you can pay a missed toll within a few days by entering the license plate number. If you can do this before Enterprise is invoiced, you may avoid their admin fee.
If you do nothing, the toll will likely become a violation. Enterprise will charge you the toll plus an administrative fee, which can be over $15 per violation, and sometimes even more. It’s always better to be proactive if you make a mistake.
Costs And Fees Breakdown
Understanding the full cost structure is key to budgeting for your trip. The expenses associated with tolls in an Enterprise rental go beyond the basic toll rate.
Daily Service Fee Vs. Tolls
It’s important to distinguish between the two charges you will see on your bill. The first is the actual toll amount charged by the road authority. The second is Enterprise’s PlatePass daily service fee for the convenience of handling those tolls for you.
For example, if you have a 5-day rental and use a $2 toll on one day, you will be charged:
- $2.00 for the toll itself.
- Approximately $5.00 per day x 5 days = $25.00 in service fees (up to the rental cap).
Your total toll-related charge would be around $27.00, making that one $2 toll quite expensive. This is why, for infrequent toll users, opting out or using your own transponder is usually cheaper.
Administrative Fees For Violations
If you opt out of PlatePass but then fail to pay a toll yourself, you will incur administrative fees. These fees are separate from any fines imposed by the toll authority.
Enterprise’s administrative fee for processing a toll violation is typically between $15 and $25 per toll transaction. This is in addition to the original toll amount. If you go through multiple tolls without paying, each one will have its own fee. These fees can add up extremely quickly, turning a few dollars in tolls into a bill of over a hundred dollars.
Rental Agreement And Toll Policies
Your rental contract is the final word on toll responsibilities. Never assume you know the policy; always read the section about tolls carefully.
Key Sections To Review
When you pick up your car, take a moment to locate the toll section in your rental agreement. Look for terms like “PlatePass,” “Toll Management,” or “Toll Charges.” This section should outline the daily fee, the maximum fee per rental period, and the procedure for opting out.
If anything is unclear, ask the agent to explain it before you sign. Getting clarification at the counter can prevent disputes when you return the vehicle. It’s your responsibility to understand the terms you are agreeing to.
State-Specific Differences
Toll policies and PlatePass fees are not uniform across the United States. For instance, fees and daily caps in Florida might differ from those in California or New York. Some locations may have slightly different opt-out procedures.
When you reserve your car online or over the phone, the general policy is usually stated. However, the specific fees are often detailed in the rental agreement at the counter. Always verify based on your pickup location.
Planning Your Trip And Route
A little pre-trip planning can save you money and stress. Before you start your journey, consider your route and toll payment strategy.
Using GPS And Toll Calculators
Use a GPS app like Google Maps or Waze and enable the “Avoid Tolls” feature to see your options. This will show you a toll-free route, but be mindful that it may take longer.
You can also use online toll calculators for specific highways to estimate your total toll costs. This helps you compare the cost of using PlatePass versus paying tolls yourself with cash or a transponder. Knowing the approximate toll costs helps you make an informed financial decision.
Choosing The Best Payment Method For You
Your best option depends on your travel plans. Here’s a simple guide:
- Frequent Toll User on a Short Trip: PlatePass might be convenient and cost-competitive, especially if you hit the daily cap.
- Infrequent Toll User or Long Rental: Opting out and using your own transponder or cash is almost always cheaper.
- Traveling in an Area with Mostly Cash Tolls: Opting out and paying cash is a straightforward choice.
- Uncertain or Complex Route: The convenience of PlatePass may be worth the cost to avoid the hassle of managing payments.
Evaluate your itinerary and choose the method that offers the best balance of cost and convenience for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use My E-ZPass In An Enterprise Rental Car?
Yes, you can usually use your personal E-ZPass or other transponder in an Enterprise rental. You must properly mount it on the windshield and ensure your account is in good standing. It is highly recommended to add the rental car’s license plate number to your account online before your trip to avoid any issues.
What Happens If I Do Not Pay A Toll In A Rental Car?
If you do not pay a toll, the toll authority will send a violation notice to Enterprise. Enterprise will then pay the toll and charge you for the original toll amount plus a significant administrative fee per violation. These fees are detailed in your rental agreement and can make the total cost very high.
How Much Is The Enterprise Toll Pass Fee?
The Enterprise PlatePass daily service fee typically ranges from $4.95 to $5.99 per day, depending on the state. There is usually a maximum charge per rental period, often between $24.95 and $29.95, regardless of the rental length. You still pay the actual tolls on top of this fee.
Can I Opt Out Of Enterprise Tolls Online?
Generally, you cannot opt out of PlatePass online. The opt-out process must be completed at the rental counter when you pick up your vehicle. You must inform the agent and ensure your declination is noted on your rental agreement before you drive away.
Does Enterprise Charge For Tolls After Return?
Yes, Enterprise can charge you for tolls incurred during your rental period after you return the car. It takes time for toll agencies to process transactions and send them to Enterprise. These charges, along with any applicable service fees, will appear on the credit card you used for the rental, usually within a few weeks.