All-Electronic Tolling and Fleet Violations: What You Need to Know

In recent years, the US has witnessed a surge in the proliferation of toll roads, transforming the nation’s transportation landscape. Today, there are more than 5.7 billion trips taken per year on tolled roads in the United States, an increasing number of them taken without the traditional exchange of cash at a toll booth. As toll booths and plazas give way to the era of all-electronic or cashless tolling and the tolls themselves are increasing, the implications for fleet management are substantial, complex, and costly.

On some toll roads, fleet vehicle owners are billed for the appropriate toll via a transponder in the vehicle. Others do so via a sophisticated camera system that scans the vehicle’s license plates, while some toll roads offer both. While this is convenient on the surface, managing these complex systems can actually make paying tolls harder, not easier, over the long run.

For example, fleets that self-manage their tolls must not only procure one transponder per fleet vehicle but each one must be set up and maintained to ensure they’re in proper working order. Toll accounts, a separate one for each agency, must be pre-funded and configured to link to the appropriate vehicles and plate numbers. Staying on top of these processes to keep fleet vehicles in compliance and on the road without incurring violation penalties is a daunting task.

Tolling Data Tells the Tale of Rising Violations

Based on the inherent complexity of the tolls themselves, coupled with continually changing rules and regulations, it is no surprise that tolls account for nearly 60% of all violations faced by the average fleet.

Data has even shown that between 2012 and 2019, there was a roughly 50% increase in total fleet violation volumes across the board. This number corresponds with a dramatic decrease in the number of toll booths and the rise of all electronic tolling almost exactly. This further illustrates that electronic cashless tolling is a complex and potentially costly landscape.

The Long-Term Implications of Electronic Tolling for Fleets

Cashless tolling isn’t without its benefits. When the system is functioning perfectly, it is more efficient and safer than having drivers stop for tolls or pay for the tolls out of their own pocket only to get reimbursed.

However, all-electronic tolling as it exists today is not designed to meet the needs of the modern fleet. Consider a vehicle that is registered to one fleet that needs to travel across multiple regions on a cross-country trip. That vehicle will pass through many different tolling regions and authorities. This requires fleets to establish, fund, and manage multiple tolling accounts – all for a single vehicle. Keeping in mind there are over 50 separate toll road authorities in the United States and a clear picture develops of what a significant (and costly) issue this can be.

Self-managed fleet tolling can be challenging enough with a fleet of 10 vehicles. It is not difficult to imagine how complex it can become to account for a fleet of dozens or even hundreds of vehicles.

Understanding the Impact of All-Electronic Tolling and Violations on Fleets

Understanding the challenges ahead can help a fleet navigate the potential impact. Verra Mobility has authored a white paper that outlines the intricacies of the surging all-electronic tolling phenomenon, exploring how a well-managed tolling program can not only control violations but also yield substantial improvements in the total cost of ownership (TCO) for fleets.

From the complexities of navigating toll road systems to the dramatic rise in violations, this paper offers insights into the challenges faced by fleets and presents a comprehensive view of the benefits that come with partnering with a toll management provider. By addressing these issues, fleet owners can chart a smoother course through the evolving landscape of electronic tolling, ensuring financial prudence, operational efficiency, and a more streamlined travel experience for both drivers and vehicles.