Dying to drive the new I-75 express lanes? You can't use them without this

The new I-75 South Metro Express Lanes opened Saturday.

Credit: David Wickert

Credit: David Wickert

The new I-75 South Metro Express Lanes opened Saturday.

As The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week, the state is about to open two new reversible toll lanes on I-75 south of Atlanta. The new lanes, which open Saturday, will carry northbound traffic into the city in the morning and southbound traffic out of town in the afternoon.

These are brand new lanes that will add capacity to one of metro Atlanta’s most congested highways, so it could provide real relief for those willing to pay the price – 10 cents to 90 cents per mile, depending on traffic.

But you won't be able to take advantage unless you have a Peach Pass, a small electronic toll collection device that adheres to a vehicle windshield or on a special bumper mount. Everyone who uses the lanes must sign up for a Peach Pass through the State Road and Tollway Authority.

The Peach Pass itself is free. But you have to open an account and make initial payment of $20. You can use a credit/debit card, check, money order or cash at certain Customer Service Center locations. You’ll also need a valid, active credit card or debit card for replenishment of your account.

If you don’t have a pass and you venture into the toll lanes, violation enforcement cameras take a time stamped image of your license plate. You’ll get a “uniform toll violation” notice. There’s a $25.00 administrative fee per violation, plus the toll that was not paid.

The good news: If you sign up for a Peach Pass before Jan. 31, you'll get a $10 credit.

You can find more information on signing up for a Peach Pass here. For more information on the new toll lanes, read the AJC article here.