Kentucky E-ZPass fee forgiveness lowers or removes extra charges on unpaid RiverLink toll bills. The program cuts high Pay-by-Plate toll rates and drops late fees for drivers who open an EZ PassKY account. Many drivers save 50% to 80% off their total bill through this request.
The toll system covers three bridges in the Louisville area. The Kennedy Bridge, the Lincoln Bridge, and the Lewis and Clark Bridge each charge about $5.00 per crossing without a transponder. Drivers who miss the payment window see their bill grow fast with added fees.
How RiverLink Fees Add Up in Kentucky
Every unpaid toll moves through a set fee ladder. Each step adds a new charge on top of the last.
- Pay-by-Plate toll: Around $5.00 per crossing for a standard car.
- First reminder: Sent by mail with no extra charge.
- Second notice: Adds a $5.00 administrative fee.
- Third notice: Adds a $25.00 violation fee per unpaid toll.
- Collections or registration hold: Triggered if the bill stays unpaid after the third notice.
One missed crossing can grow from $5.00 to $35.00 or more. Ten missed crossings can pass $400. The fee ladder hits hard once the third notice arrives.
Who Qualifies for Fee Forgiveness in Kentucky
Most drivers qualify for some form of relief. Three paths lead to a reduced bill.
- One-time forgiveness: Available per license plate for drivers with no prior violations.
- Payment plan relief: Monthly payments that stop new fees and may lower existing ones.
- Hardship waiver: Medical issues, military duty, or vehicle theft that caused the missed tolls.
Opening a prepaid EZ-PassKY account is the strongest move during the request. It shows the toll agency a plan to stay current.
Steps to Request Kentucky E-ZPass Fee Forgiveness
The request follows a clear order. Each step builds on the last.
- Pull all notices together: Toll invoices, violation notices, and invoice numbers.
- Check the toll list: Log into the EZPassKY account portal or read the mail to see the toll count and total.
- Call the toll agency: Dial 1-855-748-5465 during business hours.
- State the case: Give the invoice number, ask for fee forgiveness, and state the plan to open an account.
- Request written terms: Get an email or letter listing the new total and waived fees.
- Pay the reduced amount: Settle the bill before the deadline on the agreement.
- Open the E-ZPassKY account: Order a transponder or set up a license plate plan.
Documents Needed for a Fee Waiver Request
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- All toll notices and invoice numbers
- Proof of insurance
- Hardship proof (medical records, deployment papers, or theft report)
Payment Plan Choices for Kentucky Toll Bills
Drivers who cannot pay the full amount can ask for a payment plan. The standard plan takes 10% down and spreads the rest over monthly payments. Setting up a plan halts new fees and can lower existing ones.
Drivers on a payment plan must stay current on each monthly payment. A missed payment can cancel the plan and restart the fee ladder.
How to Stop Future E-ZPass Violations in Kentucky
A transponder is the best fix. The EZPassKY transponder cuts the toll rate in half. The account auto-replenishes from a linked card or bank. The same transponder also works in 19 other E-ZPass states, which helps drivers on long trips.
Drivers who do not want a transponder can open a Pay-by-Plate account with the license plate. This still cuts some fees and gives a lower rate than the standard Pay-by-Plate charge.
Kentucky E-ZPass Customer Service Contact Details
Official Website: e-zpassky.com
Customer Service Phone: 1-855-748-5465 (1-855-RIV-LINK)
Walk-In Center Address: 4105 Taylor Blvd, Louisville, KY 40215
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online Account Portal: Open 24/7 at the official website for balance checks, payment, and toll history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky E-ZPass Fee Forgiveness
Drivers often have questions about the Kentucky EZPass fee forgiveness request. The answers below cover timeline, eligibility, refunds, and prevention. Each answer gives clear steps drivers can take to resolve their toll bill and avoid future fees.
How long does the fee forgiveness request take?
The full request runs one to three weeks. The first call takes 15 to 30 minutes if the driver has all documents ready. The toll agency needs time to verify the account, check for prior violations, and draft a written agreement. Drivers who submit hardship proof may wait longer because the agency reviews the documents. Paying the reduced amount right after receiving the written terms closes the case fast. Most drivers settle the bill within two weeks of the first call. Drivers who wait longer risk a registration hold or a move to collections, which can raise the debt.
Will fee forgiveness stop a registration hold in Kentucky?
Yes, in most cases fee forgiveness stops a registration hold. The hold lifts once the driver pays the reduced amount and opens an E-ZPassKY account. The toll agency sends a release notice to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet within a few business days. The Cabinet then clears the hold on the driver’s vehicle registration. Drivers who set up a payment plan also see the hold lifted after the first payment clears. Drivers who ignore the forgiveness offer keep the hold and may face license renewal blocks at the county clerk’s office.
Can a driver get fee forgiveness after paying the full bill?
Refund requests are rare but possible. Drivers who paid the full bill with violation fees can ask for a partial refund within a set window. The toll agency reviews each request based on prior violation history and account standing. A clean driving record helps. Drivers who opened an EZ-PassKY account after the payment have a stronger case. The agency usually takes 30 to 60 days to process a refund. Refunds go back to the original payment method. Drivers should keep all receipts and invoice numbers for the refund claim.
Does fee forgiveness cover all toll bridges in Kentucky?
Fee forgiveness covers all three RiverLink toll bridges: the Kennedy Bridge, the Lincoln Bridge, and the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The program does not cover other toll roads in Kentucky, since most state roads do not charge tolls. Drivers with toll bills from other states, like Ohio or Indiana, must contact those toll agencies directly. The EZ PassKY transponder works in those states, which helps drivers avoid new violations. Drivers who cross into other E-ZPass states often save money with the transponder rate on long trips.
What happens if a driver ignores a forgiveness offer?
Ignoring the offer lets the full debt stand. New fees stop once the offer goes out, but the existing balance stays. The account can move to a third-party collections agency. A collections agency adds its own fees, which can raise the debt by 30% or more. The toll agency can also place a registration hold on the vehicle, block license renewal, and report the debt to credit bureaus. These steps hurt credit scores and raise insurance rates. Drivers who act fast avoid all of these costs and keep their driving record clean.
Does opening an E-ZPassKY account cost money?
The standard E-ZPassKY transponder costs $0 to order. The driver sets up a prepaid account with a small opening balance, often $20. The account auto-replenishes from a linked card or bank account when the balance drops below a set level. There are no monthly fees. Drivers who do not want a transponder can open a Pay-by-Plate account with the license plate, which still cuts some fees. The account works in 19 other EZPass states at no extra cost.