Jan 6, 2026 By Karen Mansfield 2 min read

AP Photo

FILE – Traffic going eastbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike proceeds through the electronic toll booths in Cranberry Township, Pa., on Aug. 30, 2021. According to an update in May 2022, the amount of yearly uncollected tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike grew by nearly 50% last year, and a new government audit is urging the Turnpike Commission to address the problem and make changes to improve its finances. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Drivers traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike can expect to pay a little more in 2026.

Starting this past Sunday, a 4% increase in tolls went into effect, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced.

The increase affects all turnpike users, including passenger and commercial vehicles that use the turnpike’s mainline section and its various extensions.

It is the 18th consecutive year tolls have gone up, but the commission said it is the lowest increase since 2014.

In a press release, the commission said the rate increase is needed to continue paying on more than $8 billion in debt taken on due to a funding obligation to the state Department of Transportation.

“In lieu of raising taxes for transportation, Act 44 of 2007 … obligated the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to assist in funding statewide ground transportation beyond PA Turnpike operations. Since 2008, the commission has provided more than $8 billion to the commonwealth for this purpose,” the Dec. 30 release said.

Before Act 44, the Turnpike Commission had only raised tolls five times in 64 years.

The most common toll for passenger vehicles with an E-ZPass has increased from $1.86 to $1.94. Drivers without a windshield-mounted transponder will be charged by Toll By Plate and see a rise from $3.72 to $3.88.

Class 5 tractor trailers, under the most common toll, now pay $24.72, a 96-cent increase if they have an E-ZPass, or $48.24, up from $46.32, if they don’t.

The commission said E-ZPass is used for 85% of trips on the turnpike. Motorists who download the PA Toll Pay app to create an autopay account end up paying less than those who strictly use the Toll By Plate option.

Despite its debt obligation, Pennsylvania’s E-ZPass tolls remain below the national average for similar toll facilities, the commission said.