Tolling truckers: State inches closer to resuming truck-only tolls

Rhode Island Revives Truck-Only Tolls: What Drivers Need to Know

Truck-only tolls are making a comeback in Rhode Island. After a legal battle that halted the original program, state lawmakers are now moving forward with a revised plan. For CDL drivers and fleet carriers operating in the Northeast, this means new costs and compliance requirements on the horizon.

Background: The Rise and Fall of RhodeWorks

Rhode Island's original truck-only tolling program, known as RhodeWorks, was enacted in 2016 to fund bridge repairs. The program placed tolls on large trucks (over 26,000 lbs) at 14 gantries across the state. However, in 2022, a federal judge ruled the tolls unconstitutional because they discriminated against interstate commerce. The state was forced to refund millions in collected tolls and shut down the gantries.

The New Proposal: What's Changed?

Under the new legislation, the state aims to address the constitutional concerns by making the tolls apply to all commercial vehicles, not just trucks over a certain weight. The revised plan also includes a more transparent fee structure and a clearer link between toll revenue and bridge repair projects. Lawmakers expect the tolls to resume by mid-2027, pending legislative approval and federal review.

Impact on Drivers and Carriers

For owner-operators and small fleets, the return of tolls adds to an already costly operating environment. Diesel prices remain volatile, and other states are also raising fuel taxes and tolls. As we discussed in our earlier post on states raising fuel taxes in 2026, these cumulative costs can significantly impact profit margins.

Carriers who frequently run I-95 through Rhode Island should start budgeting for additional toll expenses. The state estimates that a typical five-axle truck traveling the full length of the state could pay around $20 per trip. While less than the original RhodeWorks tolls, it still adds up for high-mileage operations.

Legal and Political Hurdles

The new proposal is not without opposition. Trucking industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations, have already signaled they may challenge the revised plan. They argue that any truck-only toll is inherently discriminatory. However, state officials are confident that the changes address the court's concerns.

What Drivers Can Do Now

• Stay informed: Follow regulatory updates from FMCSA and state DOTs.
• Plan routes: Consider alternative routes if toll costs outweigh time savings.
• Budget accordingly: Factor potential tolls into your cost per mile calculations.

For more on how regulations affect your daily operations, read our article on HOS exemptions sought by companies.

The Bigger Picture: Tolling Trends Across the U.S.

Rhode Island is not alone in exploring truck-only tolls. Several states, including Connecticut and New York, have considered similar programs. The push for infrastructure funding, combined with declining fuel tax revenues, is driving states to look for alternative revenue sources. As we noted in our piece on taking a toll: drivers face another rate increase, these trends are likely to continue.

How LMDR Helps You Navigate Regulatory Changes

At LMDR, we connect drivers with carriers that prioritize compliance and fair compensation. Our platform matches over 4,557 drivers with 530,340+ FMCSA-verified carriers, with an average match time of just 24 hours. Whether you're an owner-operator looking for lanes that avoid high-toll states or a carrier seeking to optimize routes, we can help.

For drivers: Apply for a CDL job today and find positions that account for toll costs and regulatory burdens.

For carriers: See our carrier pricing to learn how LMDR can help you attract qualified drivers who understand the value of compliance.

FAQ

When will Rhode Island's truck-only tolls resume?

Lawmakers expect tolls to resume by mid-2027, pending legislative approval and federal review. The exact timeline depends on the speed of the legislative process and any potential legal challenges.

How much will the new tolls cost?

The state estimates that a typical five-axle truck traveling the full length of Rhode Island could pay around $20 per trip. The exact rates will be set by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority after the plan is approved.

Will the new tolls apply to all trucks?

The revised plan applies tolls to all commercial vehicles, not just those over 26,000 lbs. This change is intended to address constitutional concerns about discrimination against interstate commerce.