35 of all US states have tolls. There are toll roads, toll bridges, and toll tunnels. On top of that, there are also express lanes that increase capacity and help manage congestion on the highways.

What is an express lane – short explanation

Express lanes are roads built in addition to already existing general-purpose lanes. They provide motorists with a choice of a new, optional lane. They offer multiple transportation options such as riding the bus, or carpool, or paying a toll and using them as a solo driver. Simply speaking, express lanes are an alternative to free general-purpose lanes. Usually, toll rates on express lanes change depending on the level of congestion. The prices are set to manage traffic. To make sure that the travel time is shorter and reliable, there must be just the right number of vehicles in the lane. When the traffic is higher, the toll rate increases to make sure the express lane always remains a free-flowing alternative for motorists. When there is less traffic in the lane, the toll rate will decrease. The exact toll rate is always displayed on the overhead signage when you enter the express lane. Thanks to such an approach, express lanes reduce delays and help manage congestion. Also, they utilize additional high-occupancy-vehicle or carpool lanes capacity. Some vehicles such as carpools, vanpools motorcycles, and other eligible vehicles can travel free of charge during the designated hours of operation provided the correct tag setting is used.

Express lane DMV

DMV is an abbreviation for the Department of Motor Vehicles. A version of this office is in each state in the US. They can of course have various names such as the Driver and Vehicle Services Division or the Office of Motor Vehicles. DMV plays an important role in motorists’ lives. They will help you with personalized license plates, correcting something in your car title, and checking car records and vehicle history. In general, this government agency administers motor vehicle registration and driver licensing.

The most important express lanes in the US

As already mentioned, most US states have toll roads. Similarly, express lanes are also present in most of them. Let’s introduce the most famous express lanes in the US, then!

Louisiana Express Lane

Louisiana has two most important toll roads: Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge and Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The first one connects mainland Louisiana to Grand Isle, LA, and the Gulf Coast. It covers about 8.25 miles and tolls are required in both directions on the bridge. There are various payment options – you can pay in cash at a toll booth or electronically with a toll tag. Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge is famous among motorists and travelers who want to make a trip to the popular vacation destinations at the southern end of the road. On the other hand, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is an express lane connecting the towns of Metairie (a suburb of New Orleans) and Mandeville. The causeway is two bridges that cover 24 miles in parallel crossing Lake Pontchartrain. If you are looking for vehicle registration or registration renewal information, the simplest way is to go to the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles – Louisiana DMV. If you e.g., need a new driver’s license, you can save time and avoid lines using the online service.

Express Lane Georgia

In Georgia, the most famous express lane is obviously I-75 South Metro Express Lanes. The lanes are reversible, they run 12 miles along the median on Interstate 75 from McDonough Road in Henry County to Stockbridge Highway in Clayton County. The Express Lane Georgia project has put Peach Pass-only toll lanes in the southern suburbs of the Atlanta metropolitan area to carry traffic between Henry and Clayton by adding two lanes for paying vehicles along Interstate 75. The lanes travel southbound in the evening and northbound in the morning. If there are any special events, the Georgia Department of Transportation works to ensure the best capacity, adjusting the lanes flow in the direction with the greatest travel demand.

How to pay Express Lane

Most express lanes accept the very same payment methods as other toll roads. The most preferred one is a toll tag. There are many transponder tags you may use within the US to seamlessly pay tolls without even stopping at toll booths. Usually, you can also use the pay-by-plate method. You don’t stop at the toll booth and the sensor takes a photo of your license plate. After a certain period of time (depending on the state), you receive a toll violation notice via mail. It is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.

If you received an invoice, you should pay the toll rate as soon as possible. If you pay on time, you may avoid additional fees.

If you want to keep everything under control, it’s good to estimate the total cost of your trip in advance. If you want to calculate the cost of toll rates and gasoline, and at the same time, find the best and the quickest route, use an online toll calculator – Uproad.