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The Mid-Tier toll rate is a price between the E-ZPass rate and the Tolls by Mail rate. You pay it when you have an E-ZPass account but the toll is charged by your license plate instead of a properly mounted tag. It costs more than E-ZPass because, as the Port Authority puts it, processing a plate picture and checking the account has an extra cost. It costs less than Tolls by Mail because you do have an account in good standing.
Two agencies, two definitions
MTA Bridges and Tunnels. Mid-Tier applies to E-ZPass New York Customer Service Center (NYCSC) customers in three cases: when "Not Using Their Properly Mounted NYCSC E-Z Pass Tag," when crossing charges are posted to the account by license plate, and for NYCSC third-party account providers (MTA).
Port Authority. Mid-Tier applies to NY and NJ E-ZPass customers "whose E-ZPass Tags are not properly mounted and not positioned for accurate readings." The Board approved it on December 12, 2024 and it took effect July 6, 2025. The Port Authority says it affects 9% of transactions (Port Authority).
MTA rates effective January 4, 2026; Port Authority rates as listed October 12, 2026 (rates as of 2026-10-12).
Why it matters to TLC drivers
In shared and leased cars, a tag can easily end up loose in the glovebox, and every unread crossing is a Mid-Tier charge on the tag holder's account. Resident plans (Staten Island, Rockaway) need a mounted tag too. MTA says without one, Mid-Tier applies (MTA). TLC rules let passengers be charged only "the actual amount (often a discounted toll) charged to the EZ-Pass." Charging more than the E-ZPass toll is an overcharge. The rules don't mention Mid-Tier, so the simple fix is a mounted tag.
Where you'll see it
On E-ZPass statements (amounts like $9.79 or $19.55), on lease deductions, and in the MTA and Port Authority rate tables.
Common mix-ups
- Mid-Tier is not a bill. It's charged to your account. A mailed bill is Tolls by Mail.
- Mid-Tier is not the peak rate. Port Authority peak with a read tag is $16.79; Mid-Tier is $19.55 at any hour.
- Mid-Tier is not the congestion toll. The Congestion Relief Zone toll has its own peak and overnight rates. See also congestion pricing peak hours.
The full guide, with a cost table and checklist: E-ZPass Mid-Tier rate: why your tag must be mounted. Also: can I charge a passenger the mail rate?, E-ZPass, tolls hub.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mid-Tier mean on my E-ZPass statement?
The toll was charged to your account at a rate above the E-ZPass rate but below Tolls by Mail, usually because your tag wasn't read and the plate was used instead.
How much is Mid-Tier?
For a car: $9.79 at the major MTA crossings, $5.42 at the Henry Hudson and $4.42 at Cross Bay and Marine Parkway (MTA rates effective Jan 4, 2026); $19.55 at Port Authority crossings.
When did the Port Authority start Mid-Tier?
July 6, 2025. Its Board authorized it on December 12, 2024, and the Port Authority says it affects 9% of transactions.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- MTA: Tolls by vehicle type (rates effective Jan 4, 2026) mta.info
- Port Authority: Bridge and tunnel tolls panynj.gov
- MTA: Resident discount programs mta.info
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.