Starting this January, toll rates are rising across multiple states, impacting both passenger and commercial vehicles. Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York are among the states increasing their toll fees, with hikes ranging from 3% to 15%.
In New Jersey, drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway will see a modest 3% increase. This toll hike, approved as part of the state's 2025 budget, took effect on January 1.
Pennsylvania's toll rates will rise by 5%, effective January 5, following a decision by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in July. This change reflects a shift away from a weight-based tolling system to a more standardized axle- and height-based system for vehicles. While many passenger vehicles will pay lower tolls, commercial drivers, particularly those driving empty trucks, may face higher charges. The state emphasized that these changes are designed to standardize rates without generating extra revenue beyond the approved 5% increase for 2025.
In Ohio, toll rates will increase on the Ohio Turnpike starting January 1, with rates rising an average of 7.7% for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The state's toll structure, which is based on the number of vehicle axles, means commercial vehicles with more axles will see a bigger rise. For example, commercial vehicles with five axles will experience a 7.8% increase in toll fees. Ohio Turnpike officials cited the need for higher toll rates to cover operating, debt service, and infrastructure costs.
The most significant toll hike is in Oklahoma, where drivers will face a 15% increase starting January 1 across the state's 12 turnpikes. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, which oversees more than 600 miles of toll roads, approved the increase along with an automatic 6% toll increase every two years starting in 2027 to keep up with inflation. The increased revenue is earmarked for improvement projects on Oklahoma's toll system.
In New York and New Jersey, the Port Authority also approved a toll increase that took effect on January 5, further contributing to the regional trend of rising toll fees.
