Paying Tolls for Rental Cars

We been getting questions about toll fees and fines/penalties related to non-payment of tolls when using a rental car. University travelers have the option of renting a vehicle from one of our preferred suppliers, Enterprise/National or Hertz, or from Ohio University Transportation and Parking Services.

COVID dramatically changed how toll roads operate. Many toll roads had booths that were staffed and you could simply pay on-site as you traveled on a toll road. However, many toll roads no longer staff their toll booths which requires some pre-planning if you are going to travel on a toll road (domestically or internationally). Here are some tips to avoid the pitfalls of traveling on a toll road:

1. PLAN AHEAD – know what route you are taking so that you can pay toll fees in advance or at the time of toll occurrence. Most places allow you to prepay your toll fees online, ahead of your trip or as you are traveling. You will need to visit the toll agency website where you are traveling to obtain instructions on how to pay tolls while traveling in that area. Many areas allow a grace period to pay your tolls after the trip (within so many days of passing up a toll gate). But this varies, so you need to be familiar with your options while traveling a toll road before you go on your trip.

2. If you are renting a vehicle remember that rental vehicles are not equipped with E-Z Pass transponders. Therefore, you MUST make arrangements to pay tolls.

3. The University is not responsible for traffic, parking or toll violations incurred when traveling on university business (whether in your personal car, a rental car, or a rental from Transportation & Parking Services). If you fail to pay the toll (at the time of travel or within the grace period), you will incur fines and penalties. If you incur fines and penalties, these are considered personal expenses and WILL NOT be reimbursed or paid by the University.

4. Toll fees are allowable on university credit cards or can be reimbursed to the traveler, after the trip by completing an expense report. You must have an itemized receipt so that you have the necessary documentation to update your credit card transaction in Concur or file your expense report. Toll fines or penalties are not allowable on the university credit card and will not be reimbursed to the traveler.

5. Remember to remove all documentation and belongings from your rental car when returning the vehicle. This includes copies of your toll receipts! For questions, contact financecustomercare@ohio.edu