How To Sign Up For E-ZPass In Minnesota

MAPLE GROVE, MN — Minnesota's "MnPASS" program will soon become "E-ZPass." The E-ZPass program is used in 19 other states in the Midwest and the East Coast.

The change, which will take place on Aug. 2, will allow customers to use the same pass in all 20 states, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Like MnPASS, E-ZPass Minnesota will give commuters more options during rush hour on Interstate 35W south, Interstate 35E, and Interstate 394 in the northwest metro.

"The interoperability of E-ZPass Minnesota adds even more value and convenience for travelers," MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher said in a statement.

"As Minnesota’s traffic volumes continue to return to pre-pandemic levels, E-ZPass lanes create more options for Minnesotans get around safely, reliably and efficiently."

Minnesota motorists can enroll in E-ZPass here starting Aug. 2, but MnPASS tags will still work in Minnesota.

Here's how E-ZPass will work, according to MnDOT:

E-ZPass helps to manage traffic and reduce travel times during peak hours on some of the busiest roads in Minnesota by providing a dedicated lane that is free for HOV and requires a fee for single occupant vehicles.

E-ZPass moves more people during busy commutes. A single E-ZPass lane can move twice as many people as a regular lane during peak hours—80 percent using E-ZPass are riding on buses or carpooling.

Fees increase as traffic in the E-ZPass lane increases to keep traffic moving at 50 to 55 miles per hour in the E-ZPass lane.

Fees range between $0.25 and $8.00. The heavier the traffic in the E-ZPass lane, the higher the price.

E-ZPass Minnesota will have one switchable tag and it will be free. Tag switches between “single occupant” and “HOV.”

The rules for using E-ZPass vary depending on when you travel, and in which city or state.