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Turnpike Tolls
What is the cost to travel the Ohio Turnpike?
Can I use a credit card to pay my toll fare?
Why do I have to pay to use the Turnpike?
Why do I have to pay a toll to use the Ohio Turnpike when I already pay taxes?
On The Road
What is the speed limit on the Ohio Turnpike?
Which lane should travelers use for passing other vehicles?
What routes or interstates connect with the Ohio Turnpike?
Does the Ohio Turnpike have a list of hotels/motels at each exit?
How can I obtain a list of restaurants at various exits on the Turnpike?
Can I leave my automobile at a service plaza or toll plaza interchange?
Am I able to wait to meet another party at a service plaza or interchange?
Orange Barrels
Why are there construction zones when no one is working?
Who Runs The Ohio Turnpike?
Who runs the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission?
How is the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) different from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)?
TURNPIKE TOLLS
Q: What is the cost to travel the Ohio Turnpike?
A: Toll charges are based on the vehicle’s height and number of axles, so the cost to travel on the Ohio Turnpike depends on the type of vehicle in which you are traveling. Check our Fare Calculator to determine your toll. (You will need to know your vehicle’s class. Passenger cars and other two-axle vehicles under 7’6” in height are Class 1 vehicles.)
Q: Can I use a credit card to pay my toll fare?
A: All interchanges accept major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or debit cards that are associated with a major credit card. The Ohio Turnpike does not accept foreign currency. ATMs are located in each of the Turnpike service plazas so that customers can easily obtain US currency.
Q: Why do I have to pay to use the Turnpike?
A: The maintenance, operation and security of the Ohio Turnpike are funded almost exclusively through tolls. The Ohio Turnpike charges motorists on a user-fee scale, basing your fee on the type of vehicle you drive and the distance you travel. The greater the distance you travel on the Turnpike the greater your toll charge. Turnpike tolls are user fees, not taxes (see below), and only those who use the Turnpike pay for it.
Q: Why do I have to pay a toll to use the Ohio Turnpike when I already pay taxes?
A: The maintenance, operation and security of the Ohio Turnpike are funded almost exclusively through tolls – not taxes. Your taxes pay for other roads and interstates, but not the Turnpike. What’s more, the Ohio Turnpike receives no federal funding and only a small portion of state tax ($0.05 per gallon from gasoline purchased only at service stations on the Turnpike). This small portion of state tax money is specifically allocated to the maintenance and repair of bridges and overpasses that are state routes.
ON THE ROAD
Q: What is the speed limit on the Ohio Turnpike?
A: Except in construction zones where reduced speed limits are posted, the speed limit for all vehicles traveling on the Ohio Turnpike is 70 MPH.
Q: Which lane should travelers use for passing other vehicles?
A: Travelers should drive in the right and center traffic lanes (in three lane sections). When overtaking another vehicle you should signal in time to alert the driver, as well as drivers behind you, of your intention to pass. Passing another vehicle should be in the lane to the left. After passing, you should return to the center or right lane as soon as you are safely clear of the other vehicle. (For a complete list of Turnpike Rules and Regulations, click here.)
Q: What routes or interstates connect with the Ohio Turnpike?
A: The Turnpike is not only the best northern connection between Indiana and Pennsylvania, it also provides fast access to many north-south Interstate highways including I-75, I-71, I-77 and I-76. Turnpike exits are also positioned to provide easy access to major state highways. You can obtain a list of highway connections by referring to the Ohio Turnpike Map.
Q: Does the Ohio Turnpike have a list of hotels/motels located at each exit?
A: A Lodging Guide can be picked up at any of our service plazas or toll plazas. If you would like one prior to your trip, please contact Customer Service and supply your mailing address. If you would like to view the information online, click here.
Q: How can I obtain a list of restaurants at various exits on the Turnpike?
A: The Ohio Turnpike provides several restaurant choices at each of our service plazas. We do not maintain listings of restaurants at or around various exits. Restaurant listings can be found through online sources such as Google Maps, or by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau of a particular city prior to your travels.
Q: Can I leave my automobile at a service plaza or toll plaza interchange?
A: No. Due to security reasons and limited parking availability at the interchanges and service plazas, we do not allow travelers to leave an unattended vehicle for an extended period of time. If a vehicle has been left for a considerable amount of time, it will be reported that the vehicle is abandoned and it will be towed.
If you have a breakdown at a service plaza or toll plaza, locate the service plaza manager or a Turnpike employee to explain the situation. You will be permitted to leave your vehicle for up to 48-hours while you arrange for repairs or towing.
Q: Am I able to wait to meet another party at a service plaza or interchange?
A: You are certainly welcome to meet another party at any of our service plazas along the Turnpike, but you will not be able to leave a vehicle at the plazas if you join the other party. We do not allow long-term parking at our service plazas.
Customers are prohibited from waiting at interchanges to meet their party. Parking space is limited and is reserved for Turnpike employees. Additionally, the area surrounding the interchange is designed for the safety of our employees and is not adequately equipped to accommodate customers.
ORANGE BARRELS
Q: Why are there construction zones when no one is working?
A: There are two common reasons. First, construction zones have to be set up before workers actually begin working on the roadway. Depending on the type of the work, it can take from a half-hour to several days to set up a safe work zone. Obviously workers can’t begin until the zone is safe for them to work in. Secondly, in some instances, such as hot sealing, pavement repairs and construction, it is necessary to allow a drying or curing time before vehicles can safely travel on the surface, or before work crews can again access the area to continue work. A work zone may be in its curing stage but no one would be working in that area.
WHO RUNS THE OHIO TURNPIKE
Q: Who runs the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission?
A: The Ohio Turnpike is operated by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. The Commission consists of ten members, of which seven are voting members and three are non-voting members. Six voting members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Governor may not appoint more than three members of the same political party. The seventh voting member is the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Appointed members receive compensation of $5,000 per year, and serve a five-year term. Terms are staggered so that one starts or expires every two years.
Two of the three non-voting members are appointed, respectively, by the President of the Ohio Senate and the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. The third non-voting member is the Director of the Office of Budget and Management.
Q: How is the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) different from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)?
A: OTIC is a separate organization from ODOT. The Commission handles all matters pertaining to the 241-mile toll road. ODOT is the organization of state government responsible for developing and maintaining all state and federal roadways with the exception of the Ohio Turnpike. In addition, ODOT helps develop public transportation and public aviation programs.