Help with I-66 toll road please (Fairfax: 2014, purchase, law)

[lmh182]

Hi all,
I just moved here about 2 weeks ago and was hoping you could explain the I-66 toll road to me? Where does the toll part of I-66 begin and end? Also, is there any time where a single person could drive on it and not be charged, like evenings or weekends?

Thanks!

[Old Dominionite]

Welcome.

This website will answer all of your questions:
66 Express Lanes - Inside the Beltway

Bottom line: Right now, the tolled part of I-66 runs between the Capital Beltway (I-495) and Rosslyn (just west of the D.C. line). Eastbound (towards D.C.), variable tolls are in effect between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. M-F. Westbound (away from D.C.) variable tolls are in effect between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. M-F. Solo drivers pay the toll during these times. Cars with 2 or more passengers (including the driver) ride for free. All vehicles are required to have an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex transponder. The E-ZPass Flex transponder has a switch that essentially tells the overhead toll sensors (and monitoring law enforcement) that the vehicle satisfies the 2+ passenger requirement.

Outside of these times, I-66 remains free, and trucks are still prohibited along that stretch of the highway.

The issue has been controversial since tolls began to be collected last month. At times variable tolls have been running as high as $30-$40.

Toll lanes will eventually be extended further west along I-66 into Fairfax County. However, west of the Beltway, the roadway will be widened to include both toll (i.e. "express") and free lanes.

[lmh182]

Thank you for the info. According to the website you posted, it looks like I don't need an E-ZPass if I'm always driving during the free times (which I anticipate that's mostly when I will be driving on I-66). I probably will go ahead and get the pass though, since it works on other toll roads, but should I only get the Flex pass if I intend to be driving frequently with multiple people in the car? I'll probably be driving mostly by myself.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by lmh182

Thank you for the info. According to the website you posted, it looks like I don't need an E-ZPass if I'm always driving during the free times (which I anticipate that's mostly when I will be driving on I-66). I probably will go ahead and get the pass though, since it works on other toll roads, but should I only get the Flex pass if I intend to be driving frequently with multiple people in the car? I'll probably be driving mostly by myself.

It sounds like you don't need the Flex pass.

[Old Dominionite]

Originally Posted by lmh182

Thank you for the info. According to the website you posted, it looks like I don't need an E-ZPass if I'm always driving during the free times (which I anticipate that's mostly when I will be driving on I-66). I probably will go ahead and get the pass though, since it works on other toll roads, but should I only get the Flex pass if I intend to be driving frequently with multiple people in the car? I'll probably be driving mostly by myself.

Obviously, it's up to you. However, if I were in your situation, I'd still purchase a Flex. Even though you won't need the Flex option daily, you might find it useful in the future if, for example, you are driving with multiple passengers and want to access express lanes somewhere (e.g., I-95) for a quicker ride.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by Old Dominionite

Obviously, it's up to you. However, if I were in your situation, I'd still purchase a Flex. Even though you won't need the Flex option daily, you might find it useful in the future if, for example, you are driving with multiple passengers and want to access express lanes somewhere (e.g., I-95) for a quicker ride.

I would agree except that they charge a fee after a certain period of non use.

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by dkf747

I would agree except that they charge a fee after a certain period of non use.

Yes a $10 one time fee if you don't use it in HOV mode for six months. Not exactly a bank breaker.

[lmh182]

I saw something about the fee online as well. So you're only charged that fee one time? Or once a year? I thought I read that if you don't use the HOV mode within a certain time frame they will ask you to trade it in for a non-flex pass. Has anyone else heard that?

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by lmh182

I saw something about the fee online as well. So you're only charged that fee one time? Or once a year? I thought I read that if you don't use the HOV mode within a certain time frame they will ask you to trade it in for a non-flex pass. Has anyone else heard that?

What part of "$10 one time fee if you don't use it in HOV mode for six months" is unclear? Please explain what part of this sentence is difficult to understand.

VDOT :: Make the switch to E-ZPass Flex

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by lmh182

I saw something about the fee online as well. So you're only charged that fee one time? Or once a year? I thought I read that if you don't use the HOV mode within a certain time frame they will ask you to trade it in for a non-flex pass. Has anyone else heard that?

Here's the quote from the EZ Pass website linked to by the previous post:

Please Note: Users who have not used their Flex transponder for HOV transactions on Express Lanes for any prior six month period will be required to exchange their Flex transponder for a standard transponder (at no cost) or be subject to a one-time transponder functionality upgrade charge of $10. This only applies to transponders issued after October 1st 2014.