VDOT News - Hampton Roads

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Transportation today announced the start of the 2021 Toll Relief Program enrollment period. Toll Relief provides meaningful financial support to qualified Norfolk and Portsmouth residents who travel through the Downtown and Midtown tunnels.

The in-person enrollment period is Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 13, 2021, for toll relief benefits that begin March 1, 2021. Applicants must bring proof of income and residency in person to the E-ZPass Customer Service Center in either Norfolk or Portsmouth.

To protect the health and safety of employees and patrons, measures have been put in place at 

E-ZPass Virginia’s two dedicated walk-in customer service centers. Customers are asked to wear face coverings and follow social distancing protocols, such as staying at least six feet apart from others. Plexiglass barriers have also been installed to separate representatives and customers. The number of customers permitted in the customer service lobbies is limited. Therefore, those seeking toll relief benefits are encouraged to plan accordingly and apply early.

To qualify for Toll Relief, participants must:

• Reside in Norfolk or Portsmouth
  One of the following is required for proof of residency:
• Driver’s license
• Utility, telephone or cable bill
• Checking or savings account statement
• Property tax bill
• Mortgage or proof of home ownership
• Rental contract
• Military documentation confirming residency

• Earn $30,000 or less per year
  One of the following is required for proof of income:
• W-2
• 1099-MISC
• One month of pay stubs
• IRS 1040
• Employer’s statement
• Self-declaration of no income

• Have or open a Virginia E-ZPass account

Once a participant’s Virginia E-ZPass designated transponder records eight or more trips through the Downtown or Midtown tunnels during a calendar month, a 75-cent refund is credited to his or her Virginia E-ZPass account for each trip. There is no limit on the number of discounted trips in a calendar month. Current participants must re-enroll to receive 2021 Toll Relief Program benefits.

As part of the Elizabeth River Tunnels / Commonwealth agreement, ERT provides $500,000 annually to VDOT to distribute as toll relief to help offset the toll burden on those most financially and regionally impacted by the project. This year will mark the fifth year of the Toll Relief program.

For more information on Toll Relief, visit www.vdottollrelief.com or call 855-530-5506.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.