FAQS – My Blog

GENERAL FAQS

About Express Lanes

What are express lanes?

Express lanes are optional travel lanes, located on an interstate or toll road, that customers can choose to use when they want a more predictable travel time. Customers in the express lanes pay a dynamically priced toll that increases as traffic begins to build in the express lanes and decreases as traffic reduces. Express lanes are designed with a limited number of entrance and exit points to serve longer, more regional trips.

What are the benefits of express lanes?

Provide Customers with Travel Choices
Offer a More Predictable Travel Time
Deliver a Long-Term Solution to Manage Traffic Flow
Reduce Fuel Consumption
Decrease Air Pollution
Support Transit Usage

Do I have to use the express lanes?

No, you have a choice to continue to travel on the highway system just like you do today.

What are the advantages of using the express lanes versus general use lanes?

Express lanes offer you a choice for a faster, more reliable trip, especially during peak hours.

Do express lanes work like regular toll roads?

Express lanes are not the same as regular toll roads. General toll roads charge a fixed rate that does not change. Express lanes use dynamic pricing, which means the toll rate increases as traffic begins to build in the express lanes and decreases as traffic reduces.

Have other states implemented similar express lane systems?

Yes. Express lanes are being used successfully in other states including California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and the Washington, D.C., area.

Operations

What vehicles are eligible to use the express lanes?

Any two-axle vehicle equipped with an active, properly mounted SunPass or other interoperable transponder can use the express lanes. Trucks with three or more axles and passenger vehicles pulling trailers or boats are not permitted.

Do any vehicles qualify for reduced tolls or exemptions in the express lanes?

Yes, the following vehicles qualify for a toll exemption on all of Florida’s Express Lanes, but they must first register and then renew annually:

Express buses/ public transit buses
School buses
Over-the-road buses
Vanpools

To register a qualifying vehicle, please visit here and fill out an application.

Exemptions Specific to 95 Express:

Certain vehicles are exempt from paying a toll on 95 Express in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. 95 Express is part of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane conversion program and is the only facility in the state where the vehicles listed below are exempted from tolls once registered.

3+ occupant carpools
Hybrid vehicles
ILEVs (inherently low emission vehicles)
Motorcycles (not required to register)

These exemptions do not apply on other express lanes facilities, such as 75 Express, 595 Express or Palmetto Express. Customers must register their eligible 3+ occupant carpools, hybrid vehicles, and ILEVs annually with South Florida Commuter Services.

Do taxis have to pay tolls in the express lanes?

Yes, taxis will have to pay the posted tolls to use the express lanes.

How do I enter and exit the express lanes?

Express lanes are divided into separate toll segments with dedicated entrance and exit areas that will be clearly identified by overhead signs.

How are access points to and from the express lanes determined?

Access points in and out of the express lanes are based on travel patterns in the area.

Why are there only a limited number of designated entrance and exit points to access the express lanes?

The access points are selected to serve long-distance, regional trips in order to provide a more predictable travel time.

Will there be a speed limit in the express lanes?

Express lanes have the same minimum and maximum speed limits as the general use lanes.

Do express lanes have a shoulder for emergency stopping?

Express lanes will have shoulders to accommodate disabled cars as well as law enforcement and emergency vehicles. You can call *FHP (347) on your mobile phone for help.

What if my car breaks down or there is a crash in the express lanes?

The express lanes will always be monitored for incidents. If your car breaks down, do not stop in the middle of the road. Safely pull over to the side of the road and call the Florida Highway Patrol Communication Center at *FHP (347). Depending on your needs, a Road Ranger or Florida Highway Patrol officer will be dispatched to help you. When there is a crash in the express lanes blocking traffic, the entrance to the express lanes will be closed.

Do I get charged the toll if there is an incident in the express lanes?

If an incident occurs in a segment of an express lane, and you are directed by law enforcement to exit, you will not be charged the express lane toll for that segment.

What happens if law enforcement directs me to use an express lane due to an incident in the general use lanes?

You will not be charged the express lane toll for the segment that you are directed to use; however, you are expected to exit back into the general use lanes at the earliest opportunity.

Will express lanes be open to traffic at all times?

Yes, the express lanes will be in operation every day of the year, except when these lanes are closed due to incidents or scheduled maintenance activities.

Will the signs in the express lanes show travel time between destinations?

No, the signs in the express lanes will only provide toll rates and destinations.

Enforcement

How are tolls enforced in the express lanes?

Tolls on express lanes are collected electronically. Customers must have an active, properly mounted SunPass or other interoperable transponder (listed online at SunPass.com). Special cameras are placed at each tolling point to capture an image of a vehicle’s license plate if an active transponder is not detected. A violation notice is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle that includes all toll charges in the express lanes, plus a $2.50 administrative fee and an additional $25 for each day the vehicle incurs a violation. If the owner does not pay all charges after the second notice, a vehicle license plate registration hold will be established.

What if I do not have an active SunPass or other interoperable transponder?

You should not enter the express lanes as you will be considered a violator and are subject to additional fees.

What if I am an out-of-state visitor wanting to use the express lanes?

Everyone using the express lanes must have an active SunPass or other interoperable transponder. If you are a Georgia resident with an active Peach Pass or a North Carolina resident with an active NC Quick Pass, you can use the express lanes with these transponders in your vehicle. In addition, SunPass has a current agreement with rental car agencies. Visit SunPass.com to learn more about using rental cars while driving in the express lanes.

Is it legal to cross over the express lane markers to change lanes?

No, it is both illegal and unsafe to do so. Express lanes can only be accessed at the designated entry or exit points. Customers entering or exiting the express lanes at other locations are subject to fines. Florida Highway Patrol continuously monitors the express lanes for violators.

Can I tow a trailer or boat in the express lanes with my two axle vehicle?

Trailers or boats of any kind will not be permitted in the express lanes, regardless of the type of vehicle towing them. If you enter the express lanes towing a trailer or boat, you will be considered a violator and subject to additional fees.

What can I do if I accidentally enter the express lanes?

Remain calm and continue driving to the first available exit. However, you will be charged for each tolling point you pass before exiting. In order to avoid additional fees for driving in the express lanes without a transponder, please call SunPass at 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352).

Tolling

How are tolls determined in the express lanes?

The toll will vary based on vehicle volume in the express lanes. Roadside equipment will monitor real-time traffic conditions, and this information will be used to determine whether the toll increases or decreases to provide a better driving experience and help maintain traffic flow.

What toll would I pay if the rate changes immediately after I enter the express lanes?

Upon entering the express lanes you will pay the rate displayed on the sign until you reach the next decision point. You never will pay a higher toll amount than the rate you saw on the sign. If the toll decreases after you enter the express lanes, you will pay the lower amount.

Can I find out in advance how much I would pay to use the express lanes?

The Florida Department of Transportation has developed the FDOT Toll Calculator Mobile App which calculates your toll based on your selected trip. Phase 2 of the Mobile App is currently under development and will provide you with estimated toll rates for express lanes located within your selected trip. Please use caution and do not use the app while driving.

How do I pay my tolls in the express lanes?

Tolls will be collected electronically with an active, properly mounted SunPass or other interoperable transponder (listed on SunPass.com). Customers cannot pay for tolls in the express lanes using cash or TOLL-BY-PLATE, as they will be considered a violator and subject to additional fees.

	Here’s how you can buy and activate a SunPass:	Buy	Activate
	Go to SunPass.com.
	Call the Customer Service Center at 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352).
	Visit a kiosk in Turnpike Service Plazas or in official Florida’s Welcome Centers.
	Visit one of the 5,000 retail locations in Florida, including Publix Super Markets, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens.
	Download the SunPass mobile app.

REGIONAL FAQS

Northeast Florida

Will the First Coast Expressway have express lanes?

The First Coast Expressway is being constructed as an all electronic toll road without express lanes.

When is construction of the express lanes on I-295 expected to be completed?

Construction of a regional interconnected network of express lanes is ongoing. Expected opening dates for express lanes in your area are:

I-295 between I-95 and Buckman Bridge: Spring 2019
I-295 between SR 9B and J. Turner Butler Boulevard: Summer 2019

Will I know how much it costs to use the express lanes before entering?

Yes, toll amounts will be posted on the toll rate signs (as shown below) well in advance of the express lane entrances to give customers plenty of time to choose whether or not to use the express lanes.

How are express lanes separated from the adjacent lanes?

The express lanes on I-295 will be separated from the non-toll lanes using express lane markers.

Central Florida

When is construction of the express lanes expected to be completed?

Construction of a regional interconnected network of express lanes is ongoing. Expected opening dates for express lanes in your area are:

Beachline West Expressway/SR 528: tentatively opening in Summer 2019
Turnpike Mainline: opens in phases starting 2021
I-4 (SR 434 to Kirkman Road): 2021

Will I know how much it costs to use the express lanes before entering?

How are express lanes separated from the adjacent lanes?

Express lanes on I-4 will be separated from the non-toll lanes using concrete barriers. All express lanes along the Turnpike System will be separated by express lane markers.

West Central Florida

Will the Gateway Expressway have express lanes?

The Gateway Expressway is being constructed as an all electronic toll road without express lanes.

When is construction of the express lanes expected to be completed?

Planning of a regional interconnected network of express lanes is ongoing. Expected opening dates for express lanes in your area are:

I-275 between Gandy Boulevard and 4th Street N: 2022

Will I know how much it costs to use the express lanes before entering?

How are express lanes separated from the adjacent lanes?

Express lanes on the Veterans Expressway will be separated from the adjacent lanes using express lanes markers. For other express lanes in the area, several types of barriers are under consideration.

Southeast Florida

Will I know how much it costs to use the express lanes before entering?

When is construction of the express lanes expected to be completed?

Construction of a regional interconnected network of express lanes is ongoing. Expected opening dates for express lanes in your area are:

Turnpike Extension (Biscayne Drive to SR 836): opens in phases starting in fall 2018 through spring 2020
Palmetto Expressway/SR 826 (West Flagler Street to NW 154th Street): early 2019
I-95 between Broward Boulevard and Glades Road: 2020-2022

Is there a maximum toll to travel in the express lanes?

There is a maximum toll on the original seven miles of 95 Express, as outlined in the Florida Administrative Code, Rule 14-100.003. For all other express lanes, there is no maximum toll. Tolls in these lanes are generally adjusted in 15 minute increments and according to traffic conditions in the express lanes.

Who is eligible to use the express lanes?

Any two-axle vehicle equipped with a properly mounted SunPass can use the express lanes. Trucks with three or more axles are only allowed on the 595 Express lanes. Trucks with three or more axles and passenger vehicles pulling trailers are not permitted to use any other express lanes and will be considered a violator and subject to additional fees.

Do any vehicles qualify for toll exemptions or reduced tolls in the express lanes?

The following vehicles qualify for a toll exemption on all of Florida’s Express Lanes, but they must first register and then renew annually:

- Express buses/regular transit buses
- Over-the-road buses
- School buses
- Vanpools

To register a qualifying bus or vanpool, please click here to fill out an application.

Exemptions Specific to 95 Express:

Certain vehicles are exempt from paying a toll on 95 Express in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. 95 Express is part of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane conversion program and is the only facility in the state where the vehicles listed below are exempted from tolls once registered.

3+ occupant carpools
Hybrid vehicles
ILEVs (inherently low emission vehicles)
Vanpools
Motorcycles (not required to register)

These exemptions do not apply on other express lanes facilities, such as 75 Express, 595 Express or Palmetto Express.

Customers must register their eligible 3+ occupant carpools, hybrid vehicles, and ILEVs annually with South Florida Commuter Services.

How are express lanes separated from the adjacent lanes?

Reversible express lanes on I-595 are separated from the non-toll lanes using concrete barriers. Other express lanes in the region are, or will be, separated by express lane markers, guardrail or turf.

Will there be a passing lane provided when there is a single express lane on 95 Express?

Passing lanes are typically provided in rural highways to pass trucks. Express lanes on I-95 do not allow slower vehicles such as trucks with three or more axles. Therefore, this system will not have passing lanes.

Can I tow a trailer or boat in the express lanes with my two-axle vehicle?

Trucks with three or more axles and passenger vehicles pulling trailers or boats are only permitted on 595 Express. No trailers or boats of any kind will be permitted in any of the other the express lanes in Florida, regardless of the type of vehicle towing them. If you tow a trailer or boat on an express lane where it is not permitted, you will be considered a violator and subject to additional fees.