The New Hampshire state Senate passed a bill to double E-ZPass charges for out-of-state drivers on March 5.
That means the state is one step closer to charging those driving up from Massachusetts for the weekend, for example, twice the amount they do now.
The bill, SB. 267, passed on a voice vote with bipartisan support. Those who support it say the bill will raise money to improve the turnpike toll system without increasing costs on New Hampshire residents.
“The cost of operations, labor and maintenance has continued to escalate when the revenue is not rising with it,” state Sen. Mark McConkey, R-Freedom, said on the Senate floor Thursday. “Why don’t we ask our neighbors when they travel through our state to pay a toll increase and protect our residents from that increase?”
The bill is expected to raise about $53 million in FY2027 and $73 million in FY2028. McConkey said the money will be used to improve the turnpike and permit regional projects.
“We’re getting the best of both worlds,” McConkey said.
However, the bill may have trouble getting to the finish line, as Gov. Kelly Ayotte and some Republicans have said they are not in favor of any toll increases. Others are worried about deterring out-of-state shoppers.
How much would the tolls increase?
If passed, this would be the first toll increase in New Hampshire in 19 years.
The current tolls are the lowest per mile toll rate in the country, according to McConkey, and they will be the 27th lowest if the increase goes into effect.
Here’s how much each toll would increase for out-of-state drivers:
- Hooksett Toll on I-93: $1 to $2
- Bedford Toll on F.E. Everett: $1 to $2
- Hampton Toll on I-95: $2 to $4
- Dover Toll on Spaulding Turnpike: $0.75 to $1.50
- Rochester Toll on Spaulding Turnpike: $0.75 to $1.50
Toll charges would not change for New Hampshire residents.
Do other states charge more for out-of-state drivers?
New Hampshire wouldn’t be the first state to raise fees on non-resident drivers: neighboring Massachusetts charges more for those without Massachusetts E-ZPasses.
New Jersey and New York also charge out-of-state E-ZPass holders higher rates, among other states.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Margie Cullen
