Frequently Asked Questions

Construction on the Dominion Blvd Improvement Project began in January 2013 and was completed in November 2016, ahead of schedule and under budget. Tolling began at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. You may find answers to frequently asked questions below.

General Tolling Information

• Why will Dominion Blvd be tolled?
• When will toll collection begin?
• What will the toll rate be?
• Will cash tolls be accepted?
• Is there a commuter/local, veteran, student or any other discounted rate?
• Where is the toll gantry located?
• What is the speed limit through the toll gantry?
• Why wasn't the toll gantry placed near the North Carolina state line?
• Will I be tolled in both directions?
• When will tolls come off of Dominion Blvd?
• Is there a private partner that will receive a portion of the tolls?

Electronic Tolling Overview

• How will I pay the toll?
• What if I don't have an E-ZPass?
• Why is the toll more expensive if I do not have an E-ZPass?
• Do the toll cameras capture pictures of the drivers and/or passengers?
• What if someone else was driving my vehicle?
• If I follow closely behind another vehicle or travel on the shoulder, can the cameras still record my license information?
• I have a valid E-ZPass but it still took my picture.  Will I be double-charged?

E-ZPass Information

• How do I get an E-ZPass?
• Is there a fee for the E-ZPass transponder?
• Is there a discount if I purchase more than one transponder, if I'm a student or if I'm a veteran?
• I traveled the bridge with my E-ZPass but the toll isn't listed on my E-ZPass account. Why not?
• I went through the toll with my E-ZPass but my account did not have sufficient funds.  Will I be charged the full toll amount?
• If I register multiple license plates on my E-ZPass account, do I have to have the transponder in my vehicle every time I drive through the toll facility?
• Where can I purchase an E-ZPass?
• How can I learn more about E-ZPass?

Toll-By-Plate Billing

• What will my bill look like?
• How will I be billed for tolls for the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge?
• I received an invoice in the mail. How do I pay it?
• I didn't receive my invoice or it was mailed to another address.  Why?
• What happens if I don't pay my invoice?
• What should I do if I receive an invoice that is not for my vehicle?
• Can I pay my South Norfolk Jordan Bridge or Elizabeth River Tunnels bills at the same time?

Military Driver Information

• My vehicle is registered at my home of record in another state. How will I get my invoice?
• Does the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge offer a military discount rate?

General Tolling Overview

Why will the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge be tolled?

The roadway has been developed as a toll road due to a lack of transportation funding from traditional state and federal sources.  The construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility is wholly funded by the tolls collected.

When will toll collection begin?

Tolling started at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2017 following the completion of a comprehensive toll system testing period.  

What will the toll rate be?

The multi-year toll schedule is available here. Toll rates will increase on July 1 each year.

Will cash tolls be accepted?

No cash tolls will be collected. This is an "open road" tolling facility, meaning there will be no stopping at toll booths. Everything will be electronic. Motorists will have the option to pay via E-ZPass transponder or by mailed invoices. Sensors are on an over-head structure to read transponders or license plate numbers.

Is there a commuter/local, veterans, student or any other discounted rate?

For the lowest rate possible, motorists just need to have an active E-ZPass account with the transponder mounted on the windshield, license plate properly listed and funds in the account.  There are no discounts for commuter/local, veterans or students. The base toll rate has been set at the lowest level that still supports the operations, maintenance and debt repayment for Dominion Boulevard.  

Where is the toll gantry located?

The toll collection equipment has been installed on overhead gantries located just north of the new bridge over the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Only drivers crossing the Veterans Bridge will pay a toll. 

What is the speed limit through the toll gantry?

The speed limit does not change as you go underneath the toll gantry.  It remains at 55mph.

Why wasn't the toll gantry placed near the North Carolina state line? 

The traffic count on U.S. Route 17 near the North Carolina line is roughly 12,000 vehicles per day. In contrast, the volume of traffic on Dominion Boulevard between Cedar Road and Great Bridge Boulevard is roughly 33,000 vehicles per day. The lower traffic volume at the state line would not generate sufficient revenue to support project financing. 

Will I be tolled in both directions? 

Yes, vehicles will be tolled for both northbound and southbound trips. 

When will the tolls come off the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge? 

The debt is anticipated to be paid off in 2051.  At that point, the City Council can consider removing the tolls. 

Is there a private partner that will receive a portion of the tolls?

No. The improvements to Dominion Boulevard were financed by the City of Chesapeake and the project is owned and operated by the City as part of the Chesapeake Transportation System.  100% of the tolls collected on Dominion Boulevard and the Chesapeake Expressway are used to operate and maintain those facilities and to repay the debt issued to finance the projects.  Unlike Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) projects, there is no private developer/operator that is entitled to a portion of the toll revenue.

 

Electronic Tolling Overview

How will I pay the toll?

Dominion Boulevard tolls will be collected through "open road" tolling, meaning there will be no stopping at toll booths. Everything will be electronic. Motorists will have the option to pay via E-ZPass transponder or by mailed invoices. Sensors have been placed on an over-head structure to read transponders or license plate numbers.  If you received an invoice, you may pay your bill by visiting www.PayDominionTolls.com or by calling the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge Customer Care Center toll free at 855-813-9123.  

What if I don't have an E-ZPass?

If you do not have an E-ZPass and you go underneath the toll gantry, you will be charged via mailed invoice. A photo of your license plate will be recorded and you will be billed. Tolls via the mailed invoice method are more expensive than using E-ZPass due to administrative costs associated with invoicing. It is strongly suggested that frequent users get an E-ZPass transponder.  

Why is the toll more expensive if I do not have an E-ZPass?

Paying by mailed invoice instead of E-ZPass transponder requires additional administrative costs that are covered with the higher toll rate. The City does not make any additional money from mailed invoice payments. E-ZPass payments are better for both motorists and the City.

Do the cameras capture pictures of the drivers and/or passengers?

No, the toll cameras are narrowly focused on the front and rear bumper sections of the vehicle and used for license plate identification only.  The image is purged once the transaction has been paid.

What if someone else was driving my vehicle?

If you are paying the toll via toll-by-plate, a bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle as recorded by the Department of Motor Vehicles.  (It is important to keep your information up to date with the Department of Motor Vehicles.)  If someone else was driving the vehicle you can dispute the charges within 14 days of the first invoice if they meet either of the following criteria:

1) The vehicle's registered owner was not the driver at the time of travel and can provide the actual driver's name and mailing address to reassign toll liability.

2) The vehicle or license plate(s) used to travel the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge were stolen, and the vehicle's registered owner can provide a certified police report.

Visit www.PayDominionTolls.com to download the Affidavit. 

*Please note all disputes must go through www.PayDominionTolls.com and cannot be handled at any of the walk-in locations.

If I follow closely behind another vehicle or travel on the shoulder, can the cameras still record my license information?

Yes, the electronic tolling equipment incorporates multi-angle camera images which capture all vehicles in all lanes, including shoulders, to determine their class, read E-ZPass transponders and capture license plate numbers.

I have a valid E-ZPass but it still took my picture.  Will I be double-charged?

All Dominion Blvd Veterans Bridge transactions are captured through photographic images. If you have a valid E-ZPass account with available funds, the transponder in your vehicle and the license plate on your E-ZPass account at the time of passage, you will only be billed for your trip at the current E-ZPass rate and the image is discarded.  If you feel that you received an invoice in error, please contact the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge Customer Care Center toll free at 855-813-9123 or you may visit www.PayDominionTolls.com to dispute transaction(s). 

E-ZPass Information

How do I get an E-ZPass?

Sign up in person at any E-ZPass service center location. If you need a transponder for a passenger vehicle (two axles, four tires) you can purchase an "On the Go" transponder at local retailers, DMV offices or the Chesapeake Treasurer's office. You MUST register your "On the Go" transponder with E-ZPass as soon as you get it. You can do so online at www.EZPassVA.com, by phone 1-877-762-7824 or at one of the E-ZPass service centers. Vehicles 7000 pounds or 3+ axles must visit an E-ZPass service center or call E-ZPass directly (1-877-762-7824) to obtain an E-ZPass.

Is there a fee for the E-ZPass transponder?

No, there is no fee for the transponder.  To obtain your E-ZPass, you pay $35 in pre-paid tolls.

Is there a discount if I purchase more than one transponder, if I'm a student or if I'm a veteran?

There are no discounted toll rates; there is only the E-ZPass rate and the higher toll-by-plate rate.  The toll rates were set at the lowest possible amount to cover the cost of constructing the facility, operation and maintenance of the facility, and repayment of the debt required to finance the facility. 

I traveled the bridge with my E-ZPass but the toll isn't listed on my E-ZPass account.   Why not?

It can take up to 48 hours for Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge transactions to post to your E-ZPass account. Be sure to check your EZP account and confirm there were funds on the account at the time of the transaction and your vehicles are updated. If your account is in good standing, contact E-ZPass to see if there is another situation that may need to be addressed with your account.

I went through the toll with my E-ZPass but my account did not have sufficient funds.  Will I be charged the full toll amount? 

Yes, if you do not have sufficient funds in your E-ZPass account you may be sent a bill for the full toll amount. However, if your license plate is properly listed on your E-ZPass account, our system will attempt to deduct the E-ZPass toll rate from your E-ZPass account for a total of 10 consecutive days after you drive through the facility. If funds are not replenished within that time, the transaction(s) will be invoiced at the higher toll-by-plate rate for the transaction. Please note, it can take 24-48 hours for your E-ZPass account to update when you add funds. Sign up with E-ZPass for email and text notifications to ensure your account maintains the proper funding.

Tip:  Sign your E-ZPass account up for auto-replenishment to prevent your account from falling into an insufficient funds status.  It’s simple and convenient.  All you have to do is select auto-replenishment and provide your credit card or bank account information.  Every time your account reaches a low balance threshold, E-ZPass will add more funds to your account automatically.     

If I register multiple license plates on my E-ZPass account, do I have to have the transponder in my vehicle every time I drive through the toll facility? 

Yes, E-ZPass customers are required to have their transponder properly mounted in their vehicle when going through a toll facility.  However, we will attempt to deduct the toll from your E-ZPass account using your license plate information.  To ensure the toll can be deducted from your E-ZPass account, please register the license plate information for each of your vehicles and maintain a positive balance in your E-ZPass account.  It is strongly recommended that each vehicle that uses a toll facility regularly has its own transponder. 

How can I learn more about E-ZPass? 

You can find answers to all of your E-ZPass questions at www.EZPassVA.com or by calling 1-877-762-7824. 

Toll-By-Plate Billing

What will my bill look like? 

Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge will appear in the top left corner of your invoice and the Chesapeake Virginia logo will appear in the top right corner of your invoice.  Your invoice will display the amount due and a detailed list of transactions as well as other helpful information.  

How will I be billed for tolls for the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge? 

If we are unable to deduct the toll(s) from a valid E-ZPass account based on the E-ZPass transponder read, we will make multiple attempts to deduct the toll(s) from an active E-ZPass account using your license plate number as long as the license plate is properly listed on the account.  If we are unable to deduct the toll(s) from a valid E-ZPass account, the license plate will be processed through the DMV to obtain the registered owner's address for invoicing.  A Toll Invoice will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle fourteen (14) days after obtaining the DMV information.  Failure to pay the invoice by the due date (30 days) will result in a Toll Violation Notice and the assessment of a $10 administrative fee. Failure to pay the Toll Violation Notice by the due date (30 days) will result in a Final Notice and the assessment of an additional $10 administrative fee.  If the registered owner does not pay the Final Notice, it will be sent to collections. 

Note:  Your EZPass account must be in “good standing” with an active transponder as well as accurate plate information to allow for the successful deduction of the toll amount due from your EZPass account.  If your account has a negative balance, your EZPass transponder is invalid and/or your license plate is not properly listed you will be invoiced at the Toll-by-Plate rate.

I received an invoice in the mail.  How do I pay it? 

• Pay online: www.PayDominionTolls.com
• Pay by mail: Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge, PO Box 1188, Chesapeake, VA 23327
• Pay by phone: 855-813-9123 (M-F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., excluding federal holidays)

Available payment types: Check, Money Order, Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Master Card, AMEX, Discover)

I didn't receive my invoice or it was mailed to another address.  Why?

In most cases, the Department of Motor Vehicles database services are utilized to identify vehicle registration information based on the license plate number used to cross the bridge.  The invoices are mailed via the United States Postal Service to the registered owner of the vehicle using the address provided by the DMV.  It is each driver’s responsibility to ensure vehicle registration data is accurate and up-to-date to facilitate timely invoicing. 

Special note to drivers of leased vehicles and members of the military: Toll invoices may be sent to the leasing company or home of record address if that is the address provided by the DMV.

What happens if I don't pay my invoice? 

As per Virginia Code 46.2-819.3:1 and 46.2-819.1, the registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for payment of the specified tolls and fees.  Failure to pay your invoice will result in an issuance of a Toll Violation Notice and an assessment of a $10 fee.  Failure to pay a Toll Violation Notice in full by the due date indicated on the notice will result in the issuance of a Final Notice and an assessment of a $10 fee.  Failure to pay the Final Notice by the due date indicated on the notice will result in your account being referred to Collections and may result in the suspension of Department of Motor Vehicles vehicle registration privileges.

What should I do if I receive an invoice that is not for my vehicle? 

Invoices are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the toll transaction. Please contact Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge Customer Care Center to review any billing concern you may have with a Dominion Blvd Veterans Bridge invoice. Excluding most federal holidays, customer service representatives are available on weekdays  from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET (excluding federal holidays) by calling toll-free 855-813-9123. You may also click on the ‘Contact Us’ link in the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge website (www.PayDominionTolls.com) to send an electronic communication to the Customer Care Center. 

Can I pay my South Norfolk Jordan Bridge or Elizabeth River Tunnels bills at the same time?

No, these are all separate facilities.  For more information on the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge visit snjb.net and for more information on the Elizabeth River Tunnels visit www.DriveERT.com.

Military Driver Information 

My vehicle is registered at my home of record in another state. How will I get my invoice? 

All toll invoices are mailed to the registered owner at the address where the vehicle is currently registered. You may sign up to receive emailed invoices. For assistance with invoices related to a different home of record or deployed service member, please contact our Dominion Boulevard Customer Care Center by phone  855-813-9123 You may also click on the ‘Contact Us’ link in the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge website (www.PayDominionTolls.com) to send an electronic communication to the Customer Care Center. 

Does the Dominion Boulevard Veterans Bridge offer a military discount rate?

No, our E-ZPass toll rate is the lowest toll rate and available to everyone. However, the Department of Defense offers a mass transit benefit program for military commuters designed to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. As of January 2014, DOD members are eligible for transit benefits up to $130 per month.  Learn more about the Transportation Incentive Program or contact Navy Regional TIP Coordinator Herb Pittman at 757-322-2836.