The cost to drive on the Oklahoma Turnpike system varies depending on the toll plaza, length of drive, and type of vehicle. Here are some quick answers about Turnpike costs in Oklahoma:
Standard 2-Axle Vehicle Toll Rates
For a standard 2-axle vehicle (like a typical car or pickup truck), toll rates on the Oklahoma Turnpike system are:
- $4.00 at mainline toll plazas
- $3.00 at ramp toll plazas
- $2.25 at urban toll plazas
So for example, driving the entire 165-mile Turner Turnpike from Oklahoma City to Tulsa would cost around $28.00 roundtrip in a standard 2-axle vehicle.
Cost per Mile for Different Turnpikes
Oklahoma has several different turnpikes. Here’s an overview of the per-mile toll rates on the main turnpike routes:
Turnpike | Length | Approx. Cost Per Mile* |
---|---|---|
H.E. Bailey Turnpike | 69 miles | $0.22 |
Indian Nation Turnpike | 132 miles | $0.18 |
Cimarron Turnpike | 89 miles | $0.20 |
Kilpatrick Turnpike | 86 miles | $0.21 |
Muskogee Turnpike | 51 miles | $0.24 |
Cherokee Turnpike | 68 miles | $0.22 |
Will Rogers Turnpike | 132 miles | $0.18 |
Creek Turnpike | 47 miles | $0.26 |
Turner Turnpike | 165 miles | $0.17 |
*Based on approximate mainline toll plaza rates for 2-axle vehicles. Does not include discounts or toll changes.
Discounts and Programs
There are some ways drivers can save money on Oklahoma Turnpike tolls:
- PIKEPASS: Drivers with a PIKEPASS transponder save 25% on cash rates. There are also monthly PIKEPASS plans available.
- Commuter Discount: Frequent drivers can enroll in a commuter discount program and save 20-60% on certain routes.
- Military Discount: Active military members save 25% with proper ID when paying cash tolls.
Payment Methods
Drivers can pay Oklahoma Turnpike tolls using:
- Cash
- PIKEPASS transponder
- TollByPlate billing to license plate
Cash and PIKEPASS lanes are available at most toll plazas. TollByPlate works like a toll-by-mail system to bill the registered owner of the vehicle by license plate.
Recent and Future Toll Increases
Tolls on the Oklahoma Turnpike system increased around 5% on average in 2016. Additional toll increases were approved in 2018 and expected to be phased in over several years:
- 2019: ~3% increase
- 2021: ~3% increase
- 2024: ~3% increase
So drivers can generally expect tolls to rise slightly every few years on Oklahoma’s turnpike system.
Why Tolls Keep Increasing
There are a few key reasons tolls keep rising on Oklahoma turnpikes:
- Fund ongoing maintenance and improvements to the aging highway system
- Pay back bonds that financed large construction projects
- Keep pace with inflation
- Encourage PIKEPASS use to reduce operating costs of cash toll collection
Since Oklahoma’s turnpikes do not receive state or federal funding, toll revenue is needed to fund the turnpike system’s operation and improvements.
Construction Projects
Some major construction projects on Oklahoma turnpikes in recent years include:
- Widening the Creek Turnpike from 4 lanes to 6 lanes in Tulsa (Completed in 2018)
- Eastern extension of the Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City (Completed in 2015)
- Downtown Oklahoma City modernization of I-40 Crosstown Expressway (In Progress)
- Widening of I-44 Gilcrease Expressway in Tulsa (In Progress)
These large construction and expansion projects are often funded by turnpike revenue bonds, which will be paid back over time through tolls.
Out-of-State Toll Policies
For out-of-state drivers on Oklahoma’s Turnpikes without a PIKEPASS, the TollByPlate rate is higher than the cash rate. Tolls are billed by mail to the vehicle’s registered owner, often with added processing fees.
Some states have reciprocity agreements with Oklahoma to charge in-state toll rates for their residents using PIKEPASS. This includes states like Texas, Kansas, and Florida.
Evasion Penalties
Skipping out on paying turnpike tolls in Oklahoma can lead to fines and penalties. The standard penalty for toll evasion is:
- 1st offense: $37.50 fine
- 2nd offense: $75.00 fine
- 3+ offenses: Up to $500 fine
Drivers who chronically evade toll payments may also face having their vehicle registration suspended.
Conclusion
In summary, driving the Oklahoma Turnpike system costs a few cents per mile depending on the route, along with charges at mainline and interchange toll plazas. Tolls have slowly increased over time and can be paid via cash, PIKEPASS, or license plate billing. Construction projects and operating costs mean tolls will likely continue rising moderately in the coming years. Knowing the basic turnpike costs and payment options can help drivers budget for their trip across Oklahoma on the turnpike system.