Originally Posted by
EAJuggalo
The bigger issue is make sure you don't use the HOV lanes with an EZ-Pass compatible transponder in your vehicle and more than one person. You will get charged.
Question about VA HOV lanes, is it like MN where you can access the lanes without an EZPass if you have the requisite number of people in the vehicle? Or do you have to have an EZPass with the number set to use the lanes without charge?
You can enter the Virginia Express Lanes without an EZPass, but you will have to go online and pay the toll plus a $1.50 fee within 5 days, or you will get an invoice with a hefty fee. Note that this is backup option is usually impossible in rental cars because the Express Lanes agency matches the plate to the rental company and you'll get an invoice from HTA or PlatePass for the tolls plus a $3.95/day fee, same as if you had rented a toll pass from the rental agency. HOV status doesn't matter in this case; you have to pay the toll no matter what if you don't have an HOV-compatible transponder. So if you plan to drive a rental car in the Virginia Express Lanes, you better have an HOV EZ-Pass.
North Carolina and Virginia both have HOV-compatible transponders. I think Maryland offers it as well even though they don't have HOV toll lanes. North Carolina is the most versatile EZ-Pass because it also works in Georgia.