Whether you’re driving long distances for business or pleasure, toll roads are usually present along your route. Toll fees can add up quickly if you travel often, but purchasing a toll pass gives you access to discounted rates. If you frequently journey across state lines, we recommend one toll pass above the others.

What toll pass covers the most states?

If you’ve ever taken a road trip to Disney World, you’re probably familiar with SunPass. The Florida Department of Transportation operates this electronic toll program, promising an average of 25% savings on toll fees. It can also be used in 22 states, more than any other toll pass. 

Like all toll transponders, SunPass can be affixed to the car’s windshield under the rearview mirror. Once activated, it communicates to the toll plaza’s antenna via radio waves to determine how much you owe. Tolls are based on factors like the distance traveled and the number of axles on the vehicle. The amount you pay for the toll will be automatically deducted from your prepaid account. You can also use SunPass to pay for parking at select Florida entertainment venues and airports. 

There have been bureaucratic attempts to improve the U.S. toll road system. In 2012, federal legislation, called MAP-21, presented a mandate requiring that “all federal-aid highway toll facilities implement technologies or business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic toll collection,” the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) reports. The October 2016 deadline for compliance has long since passed, and there has yet to be widespread enforcement of the mandate. 

However, IBTTA expects that within the next few years, “no matter what type of on-board unit a motorist’s electronic toll account employs, transactions will be processed seamlessly for the customer.”

In other words, any approved toll transponder would work on U.S. toll roads nationwide. Until then, SunPass covers the most states.

In what states does SunPass work?

The SunPass PRO transponder covers toll charges in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, and West Virginia. Northern travelers can use SunPass in Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. SunPass PRO can also be used on certain Texas highways in Austin, Tyler, Brownsville, and Dallas–Fort Worth.

Is Florida SunPass the same as E-ZPass?

An alliance of toll facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York created E-ZPass. While SunPass can be used in 22 states, only 18 accept E-ZPass. It can’t be used in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, or Texas. RV Blogger still recommends E-ZPass for multi-state travelers but cautions that it doesn’t work in other toll systems not owned by E-ZPass. 

E-ZPass could be more cost-effective than SunPass, as the company claims you can save almost 60% off tolls by using this service. The transponder is also free, though you have to pay $38 to activate it with an account. However, $35 of that amount goes toward your balance to pay for tolls. But you need only $10 to activate your SunPass account. E-ZPass also requires a $3 yearly fee to keep the account active.

What is the difference between SunPass and SunPass PRO?

The standard SunPass Mini transponder costs about $5, whereas the SunPass PRO Portable transponder runs $20. However, SunPass Mini works in only six states, all of which are in the South or Midwest. SunPass PRO is the only transponder that can be installed on motorcycles. Plus, you can remove it from your car’s windshield if needed. 

What states is Uni pass good in?

Uni by E-PASS is another toll pass provider based in Florida. The Uni toll pass works in 19 states, including everywhere E-ZPass is accepted, and the transponder costs about $15. Toll pass availability across states frequently changes over the years, so Uni could catch up to SunPass soon.

It’s worth paying the extra $4 for a SunPass PRO Portable transponder right now, especially if you’re visiting the Midwest (where Uni and E-ZPass aren’t accepted).