Atlantic City Expressway Goes Cashless – What You Need to Know
The next time you head down to the Jersey Shore, get ready for a major change as the Atlantic City Expressway is going cashless!
Drivers on the Atlantic City Expressway will notice major changes starting January 4, 2026, as the roadway officially transitions to a fully cashless tolling system.
Atlantic City Expressway Goes Cashless Jan. 4 With Toll Increase
The South Jersey Transportation Authority has confirmed that all toll collection will move to an all-electronic format, ending traditional cash payments and introducing a gantry-based system that tracks vehicles as they travel the highway.
Over the past 12 months, you may have noticed construction on the sides and middle of the ACE, which did cause a decent amount of traffic during the summer. This was due to crews building up the gantry system, which has sensors on it.
There are 11 of these gantries spread out over the course of the ACE. As you pass under them, they read your E-ZPass tag and charge you (sort of, ill explain later)
Why Cash Tolling Is Being Eliminated
According to the Authority, only about 12 percent of Expressway drivers still pay cash.
Maintaining toll booths, staff, and billing systems for a small percentage of users has become increasingly inefficient and costly.
By switching to a fully electronic system, officials say they can reduce operating costs, improve traffic flow, and modernize the roadway.
So Will It Be Cheaper?
No! AC Expressway Commissioners approved a 3 percent toll increase for 2026. Officials cited rising operating and maintenance costs as the reason for the increase.
Drivers who do not use E-ZPass will face additional charges through the Toll By Plate system.
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These fees include:
A 100% toll surcharge meaning the toll is doubled
A $1 invoice processing fee per bill
A $5 late fee if the balance is not paid within 30 days
The Authority says the surcharge helps cover the extra costs associated with license plate billing, processing, and collections.
How The Gantry System Works
One of the most common questions from drivers is whether they will be charged every time they pass under a gantry. The answer is no.
This is coming from our friends over at 42freeway.com – The gantries do not charge vehicles individually. Instead, they act as data collection points. The system identifies where a vehicle enters and exits the Expressway and calculates the toll based on that travel, similar to how tolls are charged today.
E-ZPass users will be billed automatically as usual. Vehicles without E-ZPass will have their license plates photographed and billed through Toll By Plate.
Officials stress that aside from the approved toll increase, E-ZPass users will not see additional charges simply because of the new gantries.
I Traveled On The Expressway Without Paying. What Happens Next
If you have a valid E-ZPass tag and your account is in good standing, you do not need to do anything. The toll will be automatically deducted from your E-ZPass account.
If you did not have E-ZPass, a photo of your license plate was taken as you passed under the gantry. A Toll By Plate bill will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner after 30 days or once fifty dollars in tolls are reached, whichever comes first.
Drivers are encouraged to pay invoices promptly or sign up for E-ZPass to avoid higher toll costs and added fees under the new cashless system.
There will be a grand opening of the new tolling system on Monday, January 4th at 10. Our friends over at 42freeway.com will be covering the event.
What do you think of the new system? Let us know!