North Carolina Road Tolls

When deciding where to go for summer vacation, North Carolina isn’t exactly the first state that jumps to mind. 

But once explored, you’ll find North Carolina has some of the most jaw-dropping spots and breathtaking scenery in the country.

With over 300 miles of coastline, towering peaks, and vibrant cities – North Carolina offers some of the most incredible scenic routes and certainly makes for an epic road trip (we’ll cover some of the best places later). 

Whether you’re exploring North Carolina by car or simply heading there for a work trip, you ought to know where the NC tollways are.  

Fortunately, toll roads in North Carolina are few and far between, with only two toll roads in the entire Tar-Heel state.  

So, let’s check them out.  

Toll Roads in North Carolina

The two toll roads in North Carolina are operated by the Department of Transportation Turnpike Authority (NCDOT) and are:

  1. The North Carolina Triangle Expressway

The North Caroline Triangle Expressway is a six-lane, 19-mile roadway that connects the N.C 540 between N.C. 55 and N.C. 54. 

The tollway provides excellent access for those visiting or working at Research Triangle Park. Set on over 7000 acres, Research Triangle Park is the largest research park in the U.S. and houses hundreds of companies, from science and tech firms to government agencies. 

The North Carolina Triangle Expressway was the first toll road in the country to use electronic toll collection. 

 

  • The North Carolina Monroe Expressway

Offering a faster alternative to the US 74, The North Carolina Monroe Expressway connects Stallings to Marshville in Union County. 

Located southeast of Charlotte, the entire toll road only takes about 20 minutes to drive. 

The North Carolina Monroe Expressway also serves as a bypass for the Indian Trail, Monroe, and Wingate communities.

Now that you know about the two toll roads in North Carolina, let’s see how you can pay for them. 

How to Pay for North Carolina Toll Roads. 

As part of open-road tolling, both toll roads in North Carolina are all-electronic. That means no cash payments! So, save those pennies for another day. 

Uproad

Download the Uproad app to easily pay for North Carolina toll roads.

Uproad is the most convenient way to pay for the two toll roads in North Carolina and many other tolls across the country. 

Simply download the app via the Apple Store or Google Play, set up an account and payment plan, and hit the road!  

Uproad is compatible with all-electronic tolling and allows you to pay for North Carolina Road tolls as you drive. If you drive on any of the two roadways listed above, the appropriate toll amount will be deducted from your account. 

You won’t have to worry about missing a toll payment again.

Transponder

The N.C. Turnpike Authority `uses a toll-collection program called NC Quick Pass. With NC Quick Pass, tolls can be billed by mail or be automatically deducted from a pre-paid account. 

An NC Quick Pass transponder is a small device that can be purchased from an NC Quick Pass Customer Service Center. It is then up to you to attach the device to the windshield to ensure correct readings as you pass through electronic toll booths.

The NC Quick Pass transponder can be used in other states that accept E-Z Pass, SunPass, and. Peach Pass as payment. But keep in mind that there isn’t a nationwide transponder system. If you’re planning a road trip, or frequently travel across different states, you’ll likely need several different transponders belonging to different operators. 

Pay by Mail or Online

For vehicles without Uproad or an NC Quick Pass transponder, paying by mail or online are your only options. 

As you pass through an electronic toll gantry, high-speed video cameras will capture an image of your license plate and an invoice will be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner. 

Drivers can also pay through Bill by Mail online. The bill must be paid within 30 days. 

Scenic Driving Routes in North Carolina

From the mountains to the oceans, North Carolina has a lot to offer on a road trip. 

Here are 5 of the best scenic driving routes in North Carolina

Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway

The Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway runs from Lake Junaluska to Hot Springs. It offers plenty of fun things to see and do. Wind through the stunning mountains and uncover a rich history of local music. 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Traveling along the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular drives in America. 

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway

Running through Pisgah National Forest, the 68-mile Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a route not to be missed. 

Explore the origins of the first forestry school in the country and check out the Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and the Cradle of Forestry. 

Cherohala Skyway

As North Carolinas most expensive highway, the Cherohala Skyway offers stunning mountain views along its 42-mile stretch. This scenic drive climbs to 5,390 ft and has plenty of lookouts and picnic points

Indian Lakes Scenic Byway

Set deep in the North Carolina mountains, this roadway runs through the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains, passing along the shorelines of several pristine lakes. 

FAQ:

What happens if I miss a toll payment in North Carolina?

If you don’t pay your Bill by Mail invoice within 30 days, you’ll be charged extra fees and possibly face civil penalties (if your invoice is still unpaid after 60 days) or DMV registration holds. 

The invoice processing fee is currently $6, and the civil penalty is $25. 

I want to use Uproad but already have a transponder – what can I do?

If you want to use Uproad but already have a transponder like EZ-Pass, you should remove your transponder or toll tag from your vehicle and disable your account. 

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