Drivers cruising down the Powhite Parkway soon won’t see toll booths ahead. Instead, overhead gantries will silently scan E-ZPass transponders or license plates as vehicles glide through, marking the start of All Electronic Tolling across Richmond’s expressway system in early 2026.

Construction is already underway for the change, which will eliminate the need for drivers to stop at toll plazas. Once fully implemented, tolls will be collected electronically on the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway and Boulevard Bridge, including all ramps. 

Vehicles without E-ZPass will be billed through Pay-By-Plate, with statements mailed to registered owners. Cash payments will no longer be accepted on the Powhite Parkway, Boulevard Bridge or any ramps. On the Downtown Expressway, cash will be accepted only from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; outside those hours, Pay-By-Plate applies. 

Officials with the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority say the transition is intended to modernize toll collection, improve traffic flow and enhance road safety. 

Drivers are encouraged to obtain E-ZPass for lower toll rates. For two-axle vehicles, the E-ZPass rate is 90 cents on the Powhite Parkway and Downtown Expressway. The Pay-By-Plate rate for the same trip is $2. 

“Moving to all-electronic tolling is an important step toward a safer, more efficient expressway system for the Richmond Region,” said Fahad Khan, RMTA’s director of operations. “We encourage all customers to take action now — so they are ready before AET is installed.” 

RMTA plans continued outreach during the transition, including signage, reminders and public information campaigns. 

Additional information about the project, toll rates and construction-related traffic advisories is available at rmtaonline.org.