+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

Here's What Happens When You Drive Up To A Toll Booth And Realize You Don't Have Any Money

Jul 16, 2013, 22:18 IST

Crossing the RFK Bridge (aka the Triborough) into Manhattan on Monday, I realized I didn't have enough cash with me to pay the $7.50 toll, and I didn't have an E-ZPass to bypass the cash lane.

Advertisement

So what happens when you can't pay the toll at one of the bridges or tunnels run by NYC's Metropolitan Transit Authority? There are three consequences.

When I got to the booth, I told the attendant I didn't have enough money to pay. He asked for my license and registration, and took several minutes filling out a form. Then he told me to drive over to the shoulder, so I wouldn't be blocking that booth anymore.

After another few minutes, a different attendant walked over and returned my license and registration, along with a form called a Deferred Toll Payment Request. I was expecting a penalty, but the only surcharge was a $2 mail-in service fee, which drops to $1 if you pay online.

So I lost the dollar and about ten minutes (including the time it took to pay the toll online). The third consequence was the worst: feeling like a jerk for holding up a booth during the morning commute.

Advertisement

Alex Davies / Business Insider

Alex Davies / Business Insider

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article