Frequently Asked Questions

Terms and conditions

Toll Relief Development FAQ

The Toll Relief Steering Committee is a volunteer advisory group gathered by the Deputy Secretary of Transportation to provide technical guidance and assist with the overall development of the Toll Relief Program.

The committee, which includes representatives from state and local agencies and non-profits.

The Steering Committee has helped to shape the program’s vision and goals, as well as the general program guidelines. The committee also assisted with the program’s implementation and public roll-out phases.

VDOT conducted this program during the first year as a “pilot” to measure participation levels and monitor the effectiveness of the relief effort.

In order to provide meaningful relief, the pilot program was focused on helping those that need relief the most.

Initial research conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia showed that Hampton Roads residents were the most heavily impacted by frequent ERT tolls.

Toll Relief Enrollment FAQ

Participants must re-enroll to remain in the Toll Relief Program each year. Re-enrollment is necessary to confirm residency and income for the participant each year. Current program participants should follow the same process noted above to enroll in person on or before the anniversary of their enrollment to continue to receive discounts on tolls through the Downtown and Midtown Tunnel. Now, you can save even more as the discount applies to up to 14 trips per week.

The in-person enrollment process allows the Customer Service team to assist with proper documentation and ensures that residency and income information is secure.

It also allows for on-site approval so the specialists can assist with final set up of E-ZPass account items.

The Toll Relief application / enrollment process ensures the program can provide meaningful relief to those most impacted by the tolls.

ERT sets the toll rates as part of the Comprehensive Agreement signed by VDOT and ERC.

While VDOT is not able to reduce or remove the tolls, it has partnered with ERC, who funds the Toll Relief Program, in order to offer some financial relief to those most impacted by frequent toll use.

There is no deadline, but applying early allows you to take advantage of Toll Relief the entire 2023 year. Apply at any of the three E-ZPass Customer Service locations:

Norfolk E-ZPass Customer Service Center

1701 Church St.
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center

4010 Victory Blvd.
Portsmouth, Virginia 23701
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DriveERT Customer Care Center

309 County St.
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 
The application process is designed to be quick and simple, requiring up-to-date proof of residency and income to expedite the process. Contact 877-762-7824 or one of the Customer Service Centers with questions about what is needed to apply.

When you apply / enroll, be sure to bring proof of income and residency.

Accepted proof of residency:

  • Driver’s license
  • Utility / telephone / cable bill
  • Checking / savings account statement
  • Property tax bill
  • Mortgage – proof of ownership
  • Rental contract
  • Military documentation confirming city of residence

Accepted proof of income:

  • W-2
  • 1099-Misc
  • One month of pay stubs
  • IRS 1040
  • Notarized Employer’s statement
  • Self-declaration of no income
  • Social Security Statement

Applicants receive approval immediately if all appropriate income and residency documentation is available. Upon approval, participants will receive a discount code for their E-ZPass account. Toll relief benefits will be active within 24 to 48 hours after the code is applied.

Toll Relief Benefit Information

Each one-way trip through the Elizabeth River Tunnels counts as one trip towards your Toll Relief. The toll relief discount applies to up to 14 trips per week.

The Toll Relief Program is funded by ERC for use at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels only. 

The Commonwealth of Virginia reached an agreement with ERT operators, Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC), who will contribute in excess of $3 million a year to help offset the cost of tolls to those who are the most financially stressed.

Unused funds will roll over and be available for use the following year.

The ERT Comprehensive Agreement between VDOT and ERC was for a value of $2.1 billion.

This includes total project costs such as financing, designing, building, maintaining and operating the tunnels and the MLK extension.

Tolls at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels go toward the maintenance and upkeep of the existing tunnels.

They also paid for the construction of the new Midtown Tunnel, which created an additional two lanes of roadway connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth.

ERT sets the toll rates as part of their agreement.

While VDOT is not able to reduce or remove the tolls, it has partnered with ERC, who funds the Toll Relief Program, to offer some financial relief to those most impacted by frequent toll use.

E-ZPass FAQ

By connecting your program application to your registered E-ZPass, VDOT can quickly and efficiently ensure that your trips are counted towards the program and you are receiving your rebates and discounts accurately.

Using E-ZPass also means you will pay the lowest toll rate while going through the tunnels – this can save you up to 66 percent and make the toll relief go further. Visit www.ezpassva.com for more information on E-ZPass.

No, in order for the Toll Relief to connect to your account you’ll need a Virginia E-ZPass transponder. Visit www.ezpassva.com or one of the Customer Service Centers to find out how to obtain an E-ZPass.