Effective January 5, 2025, New York City will introduce a toll on cars driving into the Central Business District. Here is everything you need to know about the Congestion Pricing Program.
What is the NYC congestion pricing plan?
The Congestion Pricing Program, nicknamed “congestion tax,” is a program designed to ease traffic and congestion heading into the Central Business District in Manhattan with a toll. The City of New York hopes that in addition to easing traffic, it will in turn reduce emissions and improve travel times and overall quality of life for New York City residents, as well as raise funds that will be used to upgrade transit infrastructures.
Beginning January 5, license plate readers will record vehicles entering the Central Business District and drivers will be charged a toll on their E-ZPass to enter the Congestion Relief Zone. For drivers without an E-ZPass, a toll bill will be mailed to the address listed on the vehicle registration.
Is congestion pricing in effect in NYC?
Yes! The Congestion pricing Phase 1 went into effect on January 5, 2025.
Where is the congestion pricing toll zone?
The Congestion Pricing Program affects vehicles entering the Central Business District in Manhattan, which is the area below 60th St. Vehicles taking FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street will not be subject to toll, but vehicles exiting from the exempt roads into the Central Business District are subject to toll.
How much will drivers be charged?
Tolls will be in effect 24 hours a day and broken down into two fee categories: peak hours, and off-peak hours. Peak hours are 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Fees are expected to roll out in three phases from 2025-2031, and vary depending on vehicle type. In Phase 1, Sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and small vans can expect to pay $9 during peak hours, and $2.25 during off-peak hours. Fees are subject to change. You can view a breakdown of Phase 1 fees below. View a full fee breakdown here.
| Type of Vehicle | Phase 1 Peak | Phase 1 Off-Peak |
| Passenger and small commercial vehicles (Sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and small vans) | $9 | $2.25 |
| Motorcycles | $4.50 | $1.05 |
| Trucks and buses | $14.40 – $21.60 | $3.60 – $5.40 |
Note that this is a separate charge from the New York State Congestion Surcharge, which impacts consumers using taxis and for-hire vehicles.
Are there any exemptions to the congestion toll?
School buses, commuter buses and essential government vehicles are exempt from the congestion toll. A Low-Income Discount is available for eligible households via application. You can learn more and apply here.
Parking in the Central Business District
Street parking is limited and in very high demand in the Central Business District, and demand may increase as the Congestion Pricing Program goes into effect. Parking is available in many lots for a fee. You can either pay the facility the drive-up rate or use SpotHero to find the best spot that meets your needs.
Alternative Transportation to the Central Business District
If you are looking to avoid tolls, consider parking outside of the Central Business District area, and either walking or using public transit to reach your final destination. You can find alternative options on SpotHero. Check out available parking options outside the congestion zone here.
You can learn more about the congestion relief zone on the MTA website.