MnPASS Switchable Tag Complete Guide: E-ZPass Minnesota HOV/Solo 2025
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MnPASS Switchable Tag Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota (formerly MnPASS) High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes
Coverage: Twin Cities metro area - I-394, I-35W, I-35E
Technology: Switchable transponder with HOV/Solo modes
Operational Hours: Monday-Friday 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM (peak)
Cost Range: $0.25-$8.00 for solo drivers, FREE for HOV 2+ during peak hours
Do I Need a MnPASS Switchable Tag? 2025 Update
You need a MnPASS switchable tag if you want to use Minnesota's E-ZPass lanes for FREE when carpooling (HOV 2+) AND pay tolls when driving solo. Regular E-ZPass tags from other states always charge fees, even for carpools. The switchable tag is the only way to avoid charges when you have passengers.
Key Reality: Minnesota E-ZPass lanes are FREE 90% of the time for all vehicles. Only during peak hours (6-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays) do solo drivers pay tolls while carpools travel free.
2025 Update: The system transitioned from MnPASS to E-ZPass Minnesota in 2021. Original MnPASS tags still work in Minnesota but NOT in other states. For nationwide travel, you need the new Minnesota E-ZPass switchable tag.
MnPASS Switchable Tag: How It Works
The MnPASS switchable tag is a unique transponder that allows you to toggle between HOV mode (free for 2+ occupants) and solo mode (paying tolls when driving alone).
Tag Modes and Operation (2025)
| Tag Mode | When to Use | Cost During Peak Hours | Cost Off-Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOV Mode | 2+ people in vehicle | FREE | FREE |
| Solo Mode | 1 person in vehicle | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE (lanes open to all) |
| Off-Peak (All vehicles) | Outside peak hours | N/A | FREE (no tag required) |
Peak Hours by Route (2025)
| Route | Direction | Peak Hours | Free Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 Eastbound | Toward downtown | 6-10 AM weekdays | 90% of the time |
| I-394 Westbound | Away from downtown | 3-7 PM weekdays | 90% of the time |
| I-35W Northbound | Toward downtown | 6-10 AM weekdays | 90% of the time |
| I-35W Southbound | Away from downtown | 3-7 PM weekdays | 90% of the time |
| I-35E Northbound | Toward St. Paul | 3-7 PM weekdays | 90% of the time |
| I-35E Southbound | Away from St. Paul | 6-10 AM weekdays | 90% of the time |
How to Use Your Switchable Tag
Proper use of your switchable tag is crucial to avoid violations and ensure correct billing:
1. Tag Installation:
- Mount horizontally on windshield behind rearview mirror
- Ensure clear line of sight to overhead readers
- Remove any other transponders to avoid double charging
- Allow 24-48 hours for activation before interstate travel
2. Mode Switching:
- Switch to HOV mode when you have 2+ people (including children/infants)
- Switch to Solo mode when driving alone
- Switch BEFORE entering the E-ZPass lane
- Violations can result in $250+ fines for improper use
3. Account Management:
- Minimum $25 prepaid balance required
- Automatic replenishment when balance falls below threshold
- Register license plate as backup for tag failures
- Monitor account online or via mobile app
To calculate your potential savings with a switchable tag and plan your routes, use TollGuru's Minnesota toll calculator
Current Status & Changes (2025)
System Integration:
- E-ZPass Minnesota fully integrated with 19-state E-ZPass network since 2021
- Legacy MnPASS tags work in Minnesota only
- Free tag swap available for interstate travel
- New Minnesota E-ZPass tags work nationwide
2025 Construction Impacts:
- I-394 reversible E-ZPass lanes closed July-November 2025 for bridge repairs
- I-35W construction zone near Burnsville - no E-ZPass option April-November 2025
- All traffic uses general lanes during construction periods
- Normal operations resume after construction completion
Electric Vehicle Incentives:
- $250 credit for battery electric vehicles (Nov 2019 - Oct 2025)
- $125 credit for plug-in hybrid vehicles (Nov 2019 - Oct 2025)
- One-time incentive per E-ZPass Minnesota account
- Credits valid only on Minnesota E-ZPass lanes
E-ZPass Minnesota Routes & Locations
I-394 E-ZPass Lanes:
- First MnPASS lanes in Minnesota (opened May 2005)
- Reversible lanes between Highway 100 and downtown Minneapolis
- Eastbound: 6 AM - 1 PM daily
- Westbound: 2 PM - 5 AM following day
- Limited access points: MN 100, Dunwoody Blvd, Van White Blvd, I-94
I-35W E-ZPass Lanes:
- South of downtown Minneapolis (opened 2009-2011)
- Concurrent flow lanes using inside/left lanes
- Northbound: County Road 42 to 26th Street
- Southbound: 26th Street to Cliff Road
- Orange Line BRT utilizes these lanes
I-35E E-ZPass Lanes:
- Eastern Twin Cities metro area (opened 2015-2016)
- Downtown St. Paul to Anoka County line
- Concurrent flow lanes using inside/left lanes
- Different peak hours for northbound vs southbound directions
Northern I-35W E-ZPass Lanes:
- Roseville to Blaine (opened 2021)
- County Road C to Lexington Avenue
- Newest addition to E-ZPass Minnesota network
Tag Options & Pricing
Available Tag Types:
- Minnesota E-ZPass Switchable Tag: Works nationwide, HOV/Solo modes
- Legacy MnPASS Switchable Tag: Minnesota only, still functional
- Legacy MnPASS Sticker Tag: Minnesota only, always active
- License Plate Tag: For tinted windshields (Minnesota only)
Account Requirements:
- Minimum $25 prepaid balance
- Automatic replenishment when balance falls below threshold
- Credit/debit card on file for replenishment
- Free tag swap from legacy MnPASS to E-ZPass Minnesota
Commercial Vehicle Eligibility:
- Eligible: 2 axles, under 26,000 pounds
- Ineligible: 3+ axles, over 26,000 pounds
- Commercial vehicles with 2+ occupants can use HOV mode
- Large trucks discouraged during peak hours
Planning Your Journey
Time Savings:
- E-ZPass lanes maintain 50-55 mph speeds during peak hours
- General lanes can slow to 10-30 mph during heavy traffic
- Typical time savings: 10-30 minutes per trip during peak hours
- 90% of the time, all lanes are free and open
Cost Considerations:
- Dynamic pricing: $0.25-$8.00 based on traffic levels
- Prices update every 3 minutes
- Higher traffic = higher prices
- $8.00 may indicate crash or incident
Interstate Travel:
- Minnesota E-ZPass tags work in all 19 E-ZPass states
- Legacy MnPASS tags work ONLY in Minnesota
- Free tag swap available for interstate travel
- Allow 24-48 hours for activation in other states
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to switch my tag to HOV mode?
You'll be charged the solo driver rate even with passengers. If you have an E-ZPass Minnesota account, you can contact customer service to request a refund for incorrect charges, but this should be done promptly.
Can I use my old MnPASS tag on other states' toll roads?
No, legacy MnPASS tags (both switchable and sticker) only work in Minnesota. For interstate travel, you need to swap to a Minnesota E-ZPass tag at no charge.
Are the E-ZPass lanes always tolled?
No, E-ZPass lanes are FREE and open to all traffic 90% of the time. Tolls only apply during peak hours (6-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays) and only for solo drivers.
What if I have multiple E-ZPass tags in my vehicle?
Remove all other tags to avoid double charging. Only keep one active tag in your vehicle at a time. Non-switchable tags from other states will always charge fees, even for carpools.
Do motorcycles need a tag?
Motorcycles can use E-ZPass lanes for FREE during all hours and do not need a tag. However, they can get a tag if they prefer electronic billing.
Minnesota vs. Other Switchable Tag Systems
| State/System | Switchable Feature | HOV Requirement | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota E-ZPass | HOV/Solo modes | 2+ occupants | 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM weekdays |
| Virginia E-ZPass Flex | HOV/Solo modes | 3+ occupants | 24/7 on most lanes |
| North Carolina Quick Pass Flex | HOV/Solo modes | 3+ occupants | 24/7 on express lanes |
| Colorado ExpressToll HOV | HOV/Toll modes | 3+ occupants | Variable by corridor |
| California FasTrak Flex | HOV/Solo modes | 2+ or 3+ (varies) | 24/7 on express lanes |
Useful Links & Resources
Minnesota E-ZPass Information:
- Official E-ZPass Minnesota website: dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- Customer service: customerservice@ezpassmn.net
- Account management: Secure online portal
- Mobile app: E-ZPass Minnesota app
Related Minnesota Toll Information:
- Minnesota Department of Transportation: (651) 296-3000
- MnDOT construction updates: 511mn.org
- Electric vehicle incentives: EV credit application
- Violation disputes: Online dispute system
Other State Switchable Systems:
- Virginia E-ZPass Flex - 3+ occupant requirement
- NC Quick Pass Flex - Express lane system
- California FasTrak Flex - Variable occupancy requirements
- Colorado ExpressToll HOV - 3+ occupant system
